Sri Lanka, April 25 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have begun talks in Islamabad, according to the Pakistani officials and Iranian state media, as Araghchi kicks off a diplomatic tour of the region.

Araghchi has "arrived at the Prime Minister's House," according to a statement from the Pakistani prime minister's office. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and army chief, Asim Munir are also present.

Iran's state-backed Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that both parties have "exchanged views on Iran-Pakistan relations" and "strengthening regional cooperation, especially the ongoing diplomacy to completely stop the war."

The Iranian foreign minister also t...