ISLAMABAD, APR 08 (DNA) – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi telephoned the Foreign Minister of Iran Mr. Javad Zarif to convey the grief of the government and people of Pakistan on the situation created by unprecedented flash floods in Iran, and leading to loss of valuable lives and property in the brotherly country.

He expressed heartfelt condolences and prayed for the Maghfirah of over 70 people who have lost their lives due to this natural disaster.

Foreign Minister Qureshi reassured Mr. Zarif that Pakistan stood by its Iranian brothers and sisters in this difficult hour and would provide support required by Iran to address the humanitariancrisis.

Foreign Minister informed Mr. Zarif that as a gesture of goodwill the Prime Minister had instructed two C-130 plane loads of relief goods to be sent immediately to Iran (Ahwaz and Khorumabad).

The relief assistance by Pakistan would aim at meeting some of the urgent needs of the flood-affected population in Iran.

Mr. Javad Zarif thanked the Foreign Minister, adding that Pakistan and Iran were bonded in close historic linkages and that the people of both countries have always stood by each other at difficult moments feeling and sharing the mutual pains.=DNA

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