Pakistan and Iran on Thursday held 'constructive' discussions for effective implementation of existing border mechanism within the relevant framework and agreed to further strengthen mutual cooperation on border management.
It was agreed during the second session of Pakistan-Iran Higher Border Commission, which held here on Thursday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal, Pakistan delegation was led by Director General (Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey) Zahid Hafeez Chaudhry, while Iranian delegation was led by Director General of International Legal Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani.
During the session, the two sides held constructive discussions for effective implementation of existing border mechanism within the relevant framework including 'Agreement for Administration of Pakistan-Iran border of 1960.' They agreed to further strengthen mutual cooperation in these areas.
The Pakistan-Iran Higher Border Commission is a mechanism for consultation between the two countries to discuss all border-related issues for enhanced coordination at different levels.
The first session of the commission was held in Tehran on July 17, 2017. The spokesperson said that the Thursday's session was held in the follow-up of the decision taken by the leadership of the two countries during Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Iran in April this year.
"Pakistan and Iran enjoy brotherly relations which are deep rooted in historical, religious and cultural ties and strong people-to-people contacts," he said, adding that the two countries share more than 900km long common border that is described as a border of peace and friendship.
He said that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expedite efforts for opening of new border crossing points with mutual understanding. Both sides also emphasised the necessity of updating border maps and border pillar descriptions and carrying out joint border surveys, he added.
The two sides also shared the understating about their effective border management efforts through appropriate measures including physical installations such as fencing.
The Pakistan-Iran Higher Border Commission, along with other measures, were agreed between the two countries during Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Iran in April 2019 where he exchanged views with Iranian Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani on issues of mutual interest and regional situation. The steps were aimed at rebuilding the trust and further strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in various areas.