The leaders of Iran and Pakistan vow to boost trade in a meeting seeking to mend a diplomatic rift

ISLAMABAD (AP) — The leaders of Iran and Pakistan agreed to strengthen economic and security cooperation in a meeting on Monday that sought to smooth over a diplomatic rift.

Ties were strained between the neighbors in January when each carried out strikes in the other’s territory, targeting militants accused of attacking security forces.

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other officials on his three-day visit. Authorities deployed hundreds of additional police and paramilitary forces for security.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant violence in recent months, mostly blamed on Pakistani Taliban and insurgents targeting security forces in Pakistan and neighboring Iran.

According to a statement, the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues and vowed to cooperate to fight terrorism. They reiterated their condemnations of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.

Sharif praised Iran’s “strong stand on the issue of Palestine” and said “Pakistan is also with the Palestinians.”

Raisi said the killings by Israel in Gaza were being committed with the support of the United States and other Western countries. He criticized international organizations, including the United Nations, saying, “They say they support human rights, but they proved that they are inefficient.”

The visit comes after Iran’s unprecedented direct strikes on Israel and an apparent Israeli response. Pakistan is among the countries that have no diplomatic relations with Israel because of the issue of Palestinian statehood.

Raisi also vowed to boost what he called “unacceptably” meager bilateral trade with Pakistan and called for setting up more border markets. Pakistan and Iran set up the first such border market in southwestern Pakistan's Baluchistan province last year, promising five more under a 2012 agreement.

The two leaders signed eight cooperation agreements, according to Sharif's office.

Authorities said the two sides also discussed a multi-billion gas pipeline project, on hold since 2014. The project — opposed by Washington as a violation of sanctions imposed on Tehran over its nuclear program — launched in 2013 to supply Iranian natural gas to energy-starved Pakistan.

Iran says it had already completed the pipeline on its side of the border after investing $2 billion. Pakistan was supposed to finish construction on its territory by the end of 2014 but work stalled, leading to tensions between the nations.

The Iranian president later met with his Pakistani counterpart Asil Ali Zardari, who helped launch the pipeline project after traveling to Iran in 2013.

On Monday night, Pakistan's powerful army chief Gen. Asim Munir met with the Iranian president, the military said in a statement. It said their discussion focused on "matters of mutual interest, notably regional peace, stability and border security.”

The statement said Munir described the Pakistan-Iran border as “the border of peace and friendship" but emphasized the need for improved coordination there “to prevent terrorists from jeopardizing the longstanding brotherly relations.”

It quoted Raisi as saying that by fostering cooperation between the militaries, Iran and Pakistan “can attain peace and stability for both nations and the region."

Raisi also met with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The two discussed regional and global developments and “affirmed commitment to peace and constructive dialogue for resolving regional challenges."

Raisi is accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation. He plans to visit Karachi, Pakistan's biggest city, and Lahore, where he will meet with the country's recently elected first female chief minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

In this photo released by Press Information Department, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, second left back, with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, right back, witness a signing of MoUs of cooperation in different fields between Iran and Pakistan at prime minister house in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, April 22, 2024. Iranian and Pakistani leaders vowed to strengthen economic and security cooperation in a meeting on Monday, as the two countries seek to smooth over a diplomatic rift. (Press Information Department via AP)

In this photo released by Press Information Department, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, second left, holds official talks with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, second right, at prime minister house in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, April 22, 2024. Iranian and Pakistani leaders vowed to strengthen economic and security cooperation in a meeting on Monday, as the two countries seek to smooth over a diplomatic rift. (Press Information Department via AP)

In this photo released by Press Information Department, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, left, shakes hand with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prior to their meeting at prime minister house in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, April 22, 2024. Iranian and Pakistani leaders vowed to strengthen economic and security cooperation in a meeting on Monday, as the two countries seek to smooth over a diplomatic rift. (Press Information Department via AP)

In this photo released by Prime Minister Office, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, right, with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, left, prays after planting a tree in the prime minister house in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, April 22, 2024. (Prime Minister Office via AP)

In this photo released by Prime Minister Office, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, left, walks with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a welcome ceremony in the prime minister house in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, April 22, 2024. (Prime Minister Office via AP)

In this photo released by Prime Minister Office, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, left, walks with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a welcome ceremony in the prime minister house in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, April 22, 2024. (Prime Minister Office via AP)

In this photo released by Prime Minister Office, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, left, greets to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi upon his arrival in the prime minister house in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, April 22, 2024. (Prime Minister Office via AP)

In this photo released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi gets down from plane upon his arrival in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, April 22, 2024. Raisi arrived in Islamabad on a three-day visit on Monday, during which he will discuss a range of issues with authorities in Pakistan's capital, officials said. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs via AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — Giancarlo Stanton hit a tying double in the ninth inning and Anthony Rizzo followed with a game-winning single to give the New York Yankees a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Friday night.

Shut out on two hits for eight innings, the Yankees got four in a row off closer Jason Foley (2-1) to start and finish the ninth in a heartbeat.

“If we've got outs left, we've got time,” Stanton said.

Aaron Judge bounced a single through the middle and advanced to second base on a surprise bunt single toward third by cleanup batter Alex Verdugo.

“It just kind of popped in my head,” Verdugo said. “Just saw it was there and just kind of went with it. ... I think it definitely caught everybody off guard.”

Stanton, who struck out his previous three times up, lined an opposite-field double into the right-field corner on a 97 mph sinker, leaving runners at second and third.

It was Stanton's first hit this season on a pitch 97 mph or faster.

“You've got to want those moments,” he said.

Rizzo then grounded a single through a drawn-in infield beyond the glove of diving second baseman Andy Ibáñez for New York's first walk-off win of the year. Rizzo raised one arm as he jogged toward first base and was swarmed by excited teammates.

“I think Judgie getting on set the tone,” Rizzo said. “I don't know if that was a sneak-attack bunt. Perfect bunt. Big G with just a massive swing.”

Scuffling at the plate, the Yankees have totaled eight runs over their last five games after scoring 15 in consecutive games at Milwaukee. New York began a six-game homestand with a stirring comeback win after dropping three of four at AL East rival Baltimore.

“It's big time," Stanton said. "It's just one of those, keep pushing while we have outs, while we have opportunities, and we needed every last one.”

Foley, who grew up on nearby Long Island, had converted 14 straight save chances dating to June 18 last year. Detroit has lost nine of its past 10 games at Yankee Stadium since April 30, 2021.

Dennis Santana (2-0) worked a hitless inning for the win.

Yankees starter Marcus Stroman was rolling along until he walked three straight batters in the sixth, forcing in a run with a free pass to Colt Keith.

Ian Hamilton escaped a bases-loaded jam, and Victor González stranded three Detroit runners in the seventh. González also got a couple of excellent defensive plays from Judge in center field and Rizzo at first base in a 1-2-3 eighth.

Riley Greene had three hits for the Tigers and was robbed of a fourth on a sparkling play by Gold Glove shortstop Anthony Volpe to start the game.

Making his first Yankee Stadium appearance, Detroit starter Reese Olson struck out five and walked two in five impressive innings. Mixing his pitches beautifully, the 24-year-old right-hander lowered his ERA to 2.70 but is 0-4 in six starts this season after pitching in hard luck with little run support.

Alex Faedo, Andrew Chafin and Shelby Miller held the Yankees hitless over the next three innings.

“Obviously, offensively we didn't put a bunch together,” Rizzo said. “With this offense, it just takes one guy to get on. Just got to keep grinding.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Tigers: 3B Gio Urshela (right hamstring strain) is with the team and working out. He is hitting, fielding and going through a running progression. Urshela has been on the injured list since April 20.

Yankees: RHP Gerrit Cole (elbow inflammation) is scheduled to throw off a mound Saturday for the first time since getting injured in spring training. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner isn't expected back until at least June. ... INF Jon Berti (left groin strain) was set to go through a pregame workout and potentially come off the injured list Saturday. ... RHP Nick Burdi (right hip inflammation) will pitch Sunday for Double-A Somerset and could be reinstated from the IL after one or two rehab outings. ... RHP Tommy Kahnle (right shoulder inflammation) is expected to begin a rehab assignment after throwing live batting practice once or twice more. His next session will be Saturday.

UP NEXT

Detroit RHP Casey Mize (1-0, 3.08 ERA) pitches Saturday afternoon against RHP Clarke Schmidt (2-1, 3.19) in the middle game of the series.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge, right, talks to home plate umpire Alan Porter after striking out during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, May 3, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Detroit Tigers' Riley Greene (31) heads to home plate to score on a bases loaded walk of Colt Keith during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Friday, May 3, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New York Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman hands the ball to manager Aaron Boone as he leaves during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, May 3, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Detroit Tigers' Reese Olson (45) pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Friday, May 3, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Detroit Tigers' Javier Báez (28) throws out New York Yankees' Juan Soto at first base after forcing out Anthony Volpe for a double play during the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, May 3, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New York Yankees' Anthony Rizzo celebrates after hitting a walk-off RBI single during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, May 3, 2024, in New York. The Yankees won 2-1. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge runs to home plate to score on a double by Giancarlo Stanton during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, May 3, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New York Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton hits an RBI double during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, May 3, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New York Yankees' Anthony Rizzo, center, celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off RBI single during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, May 3, 2024, in New York. The Yankees won 2-1. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New York Yankees' Anthony Rizzo celebrates after hitting a walk-off RBI single during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, May 3, 2024, in New York. The Yankees won 2-1. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New York Yankees' Anthony Rizzo, center, celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off RBI single during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, May 3, 2024, in New York. The Yankees won 2-1. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)