ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran decided to discourage cross-border terrorism and enhance their bilateral defence collaboration. Both countries decided this when Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Pakistan’s Army, visited Iran on Saturday for two days.
The Army Chief of Pakistan met with General Mohammad Bagheri, the Chief of Joint Staff of Iran’s armed forces. The purpose of their meeting was to enhance military, educational, defense, and security cooperation between the two countries.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated this in its press statement issued on Sunday.
Meanwhile, during the meeting, General Bagheri highlighted the historical ties between the neighboring nations as a foundation for expanding bilateral relations and cooperation across various domains, Tehran Times reported on Sunday.
He emphasized the importance of bolstering military relations, promoting educational interactions, and strengthening joint defense and security efforts at the regional level.
General Bagheri warmly welcomed Syed Asim Munir, expressing hope that the visit would yield valuable outcomes and serve as a basis for effective decision-making.
He commended Munir’s positive and favorable experience in the armed forces of Pakistan, expressing confidence that the existing brotherly approach between the two countries would significantly enhance their interaction during Munir’s tenure.
Furthermore, General Bagheri stressed the necessity for regional security to be ensured by the countries in the region.
He discussed defense, military, and security matters and highlighted the conversion of the shared borders between Iran and Pakistan into economic borders as their top priority.
The Pakistan Army Chief is also expected to hold meetings with other officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
This meeting follows a series of incidents at the Pakistan-Iran border, particularly in the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan, which shares a border with Pakistan. Recent weeks have witnessed several severe cross-border attacks.
Additionally, Iran and Pakistan are solidifying their military and economic cooperation. In late June, the head of the Iranian military delegation participated in the graduation ceremony and parade of the Pakistan Navy. Rear Admiral Arya Shafqat Rudsari, leading the Iranian military delegation, attended the ceremony and engaged in discussions with Rear Admiral Mohammad Khalid, the commander of the Pakistan Naval Academy, regarding increased educational collaboration between the two nations.
Both sides emphasized cooperation in education, student exchanges, and joint naval initiatives during their meeting. The commander of the Pakistan Naval Academy praised the presence of the Iranian military delegation at the navy’s parade and graduation ceremony, considering it as evidence of the strong ties and shared commitment to upholding maritime security and stability between the two countries.
