Regional peace and terrorism: Pakistan, Iran agree to boost defence cooperation

ISLAMABAD: The chiefs of the armed forces of Pakistan and Iran have agreed to further enhance defence cooperation and working together for regional peace and unified response to a common enemy – terrorism.

This was agreed during a meeting of the visiting Iranian Chief of General Staff (CGS) Major General Mohammad Bagheri with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The Iranian CGS along with a high-level delegation arrived on a three-day visit to Pakistan on the invitation of Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, on Tuesday.

According to a statement of the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran accompanied by a high-level delegation visited the general headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

On arrival, the Iranian CGS was presented a guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army.

The visiting dignitary laid floral wreath at “Yadgar-e-Shuhada” and prayed for martyrs of Pakistan.

Later, the Iranian CGS called on General Bajwa.

During the meeting, the statement added that a wide range of issues including Afghanistan situation, regional security, and border management particularly, fencing along Pakistan-Iran border were discussed.

“Both agreed on further enhancing defence cooperation and working together for regional peace and unified response to terrorism, which is a common enemy,” it added.

In his remarks, COAS General Bajwa stated: “Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries and our close cooperation is vital for regional peace and stability.”

During delegation-level meeting, it added that the Iranian delegation was given a comprehensive regional security appraisal and operational update besides briefing on training regime of the Pakistan Army including collaboration with friendly countries and conduct of various joint military exercises.

The Iranian CGS expressed his desire for further strengthening military-to-military ties particularly, in counter terrorism and training domains, it added.

The visiting Iranian CGS Major General Mohammad Bagheri also called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi, the ISPR said.

During the meeting, both deliberated upon various areas of mutual interest, bilateral cooperation including defence and security, counter-terrorism and prevailing regional environment particularly with reference to Afghanistan.

They dilated upon measures to enhance the level and scope of military engagements between both the countries and pledged to continue to forge deeper ties.

“Both sides highlighted that common borders should be “Borders of Peace and Friendship”,” it added.

The chairman JCSC said that in pursuit of a closer military and strategic cooperation both countries share a common perception on all national and international issues.

“The dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in [the] fight against terrorism,” it added.

“The visit of the Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces of Islamic Republic of Iran marks a new stage in strengthening the military, defence and security relations between the two brotherly countries,” the chairman JCSC added.

Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent presented the “guard of honour” to the visiting dignitary.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021