RAWALPINDI: Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday agreed to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation and work together for regional peace and a unified response to terrorism which was a common enemy, military’s media wing said. “Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries and our close cooperation is vital for regional peace and stability,” army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was quoted by the ISPR as saying while meeting with Chief of General Staff (CGS) of Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran Major General Mohammad Bagheri.
The top Iranian military officer accompanied by a high level delegation visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) and held a one-on-one meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Qamar Javed Bajwa, according to the statement.
On arrival, the Iranian CGS was presented 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. A wide range of issues including Afghanistan situation, regional security and border management particularly fencing along Pak-Iran border were discussed during the meeting between the two officials.
During the delegation level meeting, the visiting dignitary was given a comprehensive regional security appraisal and operational update besides briefing on training regime of Pakistan Army including collaboration with friendly countries and conduct of various joint military exercises.
The Iranian CGS expressed his desire for further strengthening the bilateral military to military ties particularly in counter terrorism and training domains.
In another statement, ISPR said Maj Gen Bagheri separately called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza at Joint Staff Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
During the meeting, both officials 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 the two countries and pledged to continue to forge deeper ties.
Both sides highlighted that common borders should be “Borders of Peace & Friendship”.
The JCSC chairman 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’s armed forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
The visit of the Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces of Islamic Republic of Iran marks a new stage in strengthening the military, defense and security relations between the two brotherly countries, the JCSC chairman added.
Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent presented ‘Guard of Honour’ to the visiting dignitary.–ISPR
