AFPAK-Iran meeting proposed

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, July 10 (UPI) -- Islamabad has called for a trilateral meeting with Afghanistan and Iran to address regional economic and security issues, the Pakistani foreign minister said.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mehdi Akhundzadeh to discuss a trilateral mechanism to tackle regional challenges, Pakistan's News International reports.

"A pragmatic strategy is needed in this respect," said Qureshi. "A consensus framework can play pivotal role in this connection."

The Pakistani minister said Iranian and Pakistani relations could be improved by addressing the lingering concerns over displaced persons, security in Afghanistan and bilateral trade issues.

Both sides also discussed developments related to the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, a project that Pakistan hopes will avert a looming energy crisis.

Qureshi stressed Iran had an important contribution to make toward regional stability as Pakistan faces mounting threats from terrorism.

For his part, Akhundzadeh noted the recovery of kidnapped Iranian diplomat Hashmat Ullah was a concern for Tehran, adding his country strongly condemned the activity of insurgents operating in Pakistan.

Iran hosted a trilateral meeting with Pakistan and Afghan officials in May to address regional security issues and trilateral cooperation.