Iranian SNSC Secretary Dr. Ali Ardashir Larijani calls Iranian President and Prime Minister; discusses the regional and international situation
President Asif Ali Zardari exchanges views with Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Ardashir Larijani at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Photo: APP
ISLAMABAD:
A day after arriving in Pakistan, Secretary Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Dr Ali Ardashir Larijani on Tuesday held separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
According to a statement issued by the President House, Dr. Larijani visited Zardari as well as Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam.
SNSC Deputy for Foreign Policy and International Security Ali Bagheri, SNSC Deputy for Security Alireza Bayat and Secretary of the SNSC Asia, Eurasia and Oceania Committee Alireza Taqavaei-Zadeh were also part of his delegation.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, PPP leader Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Foreign Secretary and National Security Secretary were also present in the meeting.
According to the press release, issues related to the regional and international situation as well as security and the fight against terrorism were also discussed. Zardari highlighted that Pakistan and Iran enjoy long-standing relations rooted in history, faith and culture.
He said Pakistan was keen to work closely with Iran to increase bilateral trade, adding that the rail link between the two neighbors should be strengthened on priority to support trade and promote tourism.
He noted that better connectivity would make it easier for businesses and travelers, especially pilgrims, and help deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.
On the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, the president stressed the need for a mutually achievable solution, noting Pakistan’s growing energy needs. He welcomed the recent technical discussions in Islamabad and said Pakistan looked forward to continued negotiations in Tehran.
The president thanked Iranian leaders for their solidarity with Pakistan following the recent floods, including the humanitarian aid sent by the Iranian Red Crescent. Cooperation between neighboring countries is essential and in the common interest of both nations, he added.
He thanked Iran for its constant support during the war with India and reiterated Pakistan’s political and diplomatic support to Iran in the wake of Israeli aggression.
He praised the resilience of the Iranian people during the recent war and praised the leadership shown by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei.
He also expressed appreciation for Iran’s principled support to the Indian people of Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as well as Palestine. The President welcomed Dr. Larijani and congratulated him on assuming office as head of the SNSC.
He said frequent exchanges between Islamabad and Tehran reflected positive dynamics in bilateral relations and warmly recalled his meeting with the Iranian president in August.
Dr. Larijani conveyed to Zardari the best wishes and greetings from Supreme Leader and President Masoud Pezeshkian. He thanked Pakistan for its diplomatic and moral support during the 12-day war earlier this year.
He praised the bravery and success of the Pakistani armed forces in recent events and said that Pakistan’s victory was their victory.
He said following the Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan, several directives were issued to provide preferential access to Pakistani products in Iran, paving the way for achieving the bilateral trade target of $10 billion.
The SNSC Secretary also called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who highlighted the importance of historic and close brotherly relations between the two countries and laid emphasis on strengthening and expanding bilateral ties in various sectors.
Dr. Larijani also highlighted the need to strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations in broad and mutually beneficial areas.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed key regional and international developments and stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working with Iran for a peaceful and prosperous future for both nations.
It was agreed that a delegation led by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar would visit Iran soon to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of agriculture and connectivity.
Earlier, Dar received Dr Larijani at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who arrived in Islamabad for his official visit to Pakistan on Monday evening.
According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, Larijani is expected to meet Pakistan’s top leaders during his official visit to review the latest developments in bilateral relations, follow-up to joint agreements, regional and international issues and issues of importance to the Islamic world.
The SNSC is the national security council of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The council was formed for the protection and support of national interests, the Islamic revolution, territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the country.
The council is responsible for determining the country’s defense and national security policies within the framework of general policies determined by the supreme leader.
It also coordinates political and intelligence activities in the social, cultural and economic fields linked to general defense and national security policies. The SNSC is also responsible for harnessing the country’s material and intellectual resources to confront internal and external threats.
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APPLICATION)
