Pakistan, Iran ministers ‘agree to de-escalate situation’ amid attacks

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ALSO READ: ‘Don't have any private conversations..,’ US on Pakistan consulting before retaliatory strikes on Iran "Understanding the close brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, the Foriegn Minister expressed Pakistan's desire to work with Iran based on spirit of mutual trust and cooperation. The Foreign Minister stressed that respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignity must underpin this cooperation," the statement said.

Adding more, it said, "The two Foreign Ministers agreed that working level cooperation and close coordination on counter terrorism and other aspects of mutual concern should be strenghtened. They also agreed to de-escalate the situation.

The return of Ambassadors of the two countries to their Capitals was also discussed." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 19 January briefed the caretaker federal government about the situation arising from the Iranian attack on Pakistan on Tuesday, reported Reuters. Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Friday said it and Iran could mutually overcome minor irritants through dialogue and diplomacy, after both countries exchanged drone and missile strikes on militant bases on each other's territory. The Pakistan PMO said that in the interest of both countries to take steps to restore the relationship to what it was prior to 16 January, adding, Pakistan would welcome and reciprocate all positive measures from the Iranian side.

Iran said on Tuesday it had hit targets inside Pakistan that it alleged were bases of Jaish al Adl (JAA). All the targeted groups are ethnically Baloch, but it was not clear if JAA has links with the other two, reported Reuters. To which Pakistan claimed in the attack civilians were hit and two children killed.