TEHRAN, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday called on Afghanistan and Pakistan to exercise self-restraint, stop clashes, and resolve differences through dialogue.
He made the remarks during a phone call with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, expressing concern over recent developments in the region and border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
Araghchi stressed that continued tensions between the two Muslim countries would lead to more casualties and compromise the entire region's stability, voicing Iran's readiness to help de-escalate tensions and facilitate "constructive" dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Afghanistan's foreign minister, for his part, said the country prefers the path of dialogue and peace over military conflicts.
The two sides also highlighted the importance of improving bilateral relations, ensuring security along the Iran-Afghanistan border, and preventing foreign interference in the regional countries' internal affairs. They called for continued dialogue and enhanced coordination to promote peace and stability in the region, according to the statement.
The clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan erupted after the Taliban launched "retaliatory" attacks last week against Pakistani soldiers along the shared border, following explosions in Afghan territory on Oct. 9, which the Taliban-run defense authorities attributed to Pakistan.
Pakistan did not claim responsibility for the blasts, but accused the Taliban of giving refuge to members of the Pakistani Taliban, "who attack Pakistan."
Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday issued separate statements announcing a ceasefire after days of cross-border exchanges of fire. ■