ISLAMABAD:
A top Iranian general, visiting Pakistan, held talks with Army Chief General Asim Munir and met President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday to discuss bilateral defense cooperation as well as regional and international.
The visit of Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of General Staff (CGS) of the Iranian Armed Forces took place against the backdrop of numerous international and regional developments.
Some of the recent developments in the Middle East have been seen as a setback for Iran. With President Donald Trump in charge of the White House, there would be increased pressure and more sanctions against Iran.
General Bagheri visited GHQ and held talks with General Asim Munir.
“During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues related to the current regional security environment and bilateral defense cooperation,” said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
“On arrival at GHQ, Major General Mohammad Bagheri laid a wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada in tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan. He was given a warm welcome, including a guard of honor presented by a well-rounded contingent organized by the Pakistan Army,” he added.
No further details were provided. But General Bagheri told Iranian media that Iran and Pakistan were expanding military cooperation in various areas.
“Relations between the Iranian and Pakistani armed forces have developed in recent years and we have reached good agreements,” Bagheri told Iranian media after landing in Islamabad.
He highlighted security concerns within the long border between Iran and Pakistan and added that the two countries are working to transform the common border areas into a “border of friendship for the two nations and a place for broad economic relations.
“Iran and Pakistan are two major Muslim countries in the sensitive region of West and South Asia and maintain close ties with each other,” the Iranian general stressed.
He said Tehran and Islamabad have a common position on many issues that have arisen in the region over the past year.
Discussions with Pakistani officials will focus on regional developments so that the two neighboring states can adopt a coordinated stance in different international circles, Bagheri stressed.
Meanwhile, General Bagheri visited President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr and exchanged views on issues of bilateral importance.
During the meeting, both sides highlighted the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran and stressed the need to promote trade and economic relations for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries.
It was also emphasized that terrorism is a common challenge and both countries need to take effective and coordinated measures to address this challenge, said an official document released by the President’s Office.
The head of the Iranian armed forces appreciated Pakistan’s position on Gaza and Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Sadiq, Special Representative of Pakistan for Afghanistan, received Hashem Ashjazade, Special Envoy of Iran for Afghanistan and Director General for South Asia on Monday.
The two sides discussed the rapidly changing international geopolitical situation and regional challenges facing the two countries. Both parties agreed to address these challenges together.
Reza Amiri Moghadam, Iranian Ambassador to Islamabad, and Pakistan Ambassador to Tehran Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, were also present at the meeting.
