ISLAMABAD, Oct. 13, (Asia Free Press): Top Iranian General on Wednesday met Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad, officials said.
According to a statement issued from the Pakistani premier’s office, Prime Minister Imran Khan received Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran, today.
Khan welcomed the visiting dignitary and highlighted an upward trajectory in bilateral engagement between Pakistan and Iran.
The Prime Minister recalled meeting President Raisi in Dushanbe on the margins of the SCO Summit, which had imparted further impetus to bilateral cooperation.
The Prime Minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment to enhance closer bilateral trade relations and enhanced economic and energy cooperation. He described the Pakistan-Iran border as a border of ‘peace and friendship’ and underlined the importance of steps taken for enhanced security on both sides. He also noted agreement on establishing Border Sustenance Markets and stressed that the operationalization of these markets would facilitate livelihood in the region.
“The opening of two additional border crossing points in the last one year had further facilitated regulated movement on both sides,” Khan said.
He appreciated Iran’s steadfast support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, especially by the Supreme Leader, adding that Kashmiris looked forward to Iran’s strong voice in support of their just cause.
The Prime Minister shared Pakistan’s perspective on the latest developments in Afghanistan, stressing that as the neighbours of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran had a direct stake in peace and stability in the country. Pakistan wished to see a peaceful and stable Afghanistan with a sustainable economy and promoting connectivity.
Pakistani premier underscored that the international community must remain positively engaged, provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance, and take steps to prevent economic collapse.
He also stressed the need to unfreeze Afghanistan’s financial assets to help support the Afghan people at this critical juncture, especially before the onset of the winter.
Prime Minister Imran Khan underscored the importance of national reconciliation and inclusive political settlement. He also emphasized continued close coordination between Pakistan and Iran, including through the platform of six neighbouring countries of Afghanistan established last month.
Prime Minister Imran Khan conveyed cordial greetings for President Raisi and renewed his invitation to visit Pakistan.
Earlier, Bagheri, who arrived in Pakistan and a high-level delegation on Tuesday, visited GHQ.
On arrival, the Iranian CGS was presented Guard of Honour by a smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Army.
The visiting dignitary laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and prayed for the Martyrs of Pakistan.
Later, the Iranian CGS called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS). A wide range of issues were discussed during the meeting, including the Afghanistan situation, regional security, and border management, mainly fencing along the Pak-Iran border.
Both agreed on further enhancing defence cooperation and working together for regional peace and unified response to terrorism which is a common enemy, according to ISPR.
“Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries, and our close cooperation is vital for regional peace and stability,” COAS remarked.
During delegation-level meetings, the Iranian delegation was given a comprehensive regional security appraisal and operational update besides briefing on the Training Regime of the Pakistan Army, including collaboration with friendly countries and conduct of various joint military exercises.
The Iranian CGS expressed his desire for further strengthening military to military ties, particularly in counter-terrorism and training domains.
