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ISLAMABAD: Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Saturday that stronger Pak-Iran defence ties would serve regional peace and stability.
Talking to Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Honardoost, the army chief said: “Enhanced Pak-Iran military-to-military cooperation will have positive impact on regional peace and stability.”
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the two discussed issues related to regional security and matters of mutual interest during the meeting.
“Pakistan Army greatly values historical relationship between the two brotherly countries which can never be compromised at any cost,” Gen Bajwa assured the envoy.
Pakistan and Iran have minimal defence ties because of deep-rooted mistrust resulting from their divergent alignment in regional and international politics. The relationship has been further complicated by the presence of groups on the Pakistani side of the border that carry out terrorist activities on the Iranian side. The two neighbours have struggled to come up with a mechanism to effectively deal with the issue.
Last month Defence Minister Khawaja Asif excused himself from visiting Iran for defence talks and the government had to send Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in his place along with Defence Secretary retired Lt Gen Zameerul Hassan Shah. Mr Aziz’s talks in Tehran were dominated by the border issue and it was agreed that meetings of the Border Security Commission would be convened to discuss measures for dealing with terrorists.
The 20th joint border commission meeting concluded on the evening of Feb 27 in the Iranian port city of Chahbahar. Islamabad and Tehran decided to set up three more immigration offices at the border between the two countries. They also decided to establish more markets at the border to generate economic activity for people living on both sides of the border.
Mr Honardoost appreciated the Pakistan government’s resolve and military’s Operation Raddul Fasaad for elimination of terrorism. The Pakistan Army, he noted, was contributing to regional peace and security.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, in a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Economic Cooperation Organisation’s summit, had reaffirmed their “mutual desire to strengthen bilateral relations”.
Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2017
Comments (21) Closed
'“Pakistan Army greatly values historical relationship between the two brotherly countries which can never be compromised at any cost,” Gen Bajwa assured the envoy.'
can we know the response from the Iranian side too?
Pakistan, Iran and Turkey relations were friendly in heydays. Then came in Afghanistan war and Taliban policy, which strained the relations with Iran. Now the better sense has prevailed and Pakistan is getting back to mend ways with Iran. Turkey is already a good friend. Afghanistan can never be a trusted friend. Good decision.
I am so happy that finally Pakistan has recognized who is our REAL friend. Long live Iran-Pakistan friendship!
Pakistan, China, Russia and Iran are a reality. Anyone who can't see this happening is either fooling himself, or fooling his country. Indian ambitions have isolated Afghanistan in the region.
What happened to the gas pipe line?
good luck..?
@Mukesh don't worry
Words and words and only words with zero substantiation by any action. What an hypocrisy!
Iran and Pakistan are natural partners in defense and trade. Both countries are bound by culture, history and social relationships. General Bajwa is correct in emphasizing the importance of close relationship between both countries for regional security and economic stability in recognition of facts and realities which have been denied and ignored for long time
Even though I am Shia, I wouldn't trust this Iranian government at all. They are very pro-India.
@jA-australia ...people like you are real patriots.
Pak-Iran friendship is a good gesture.
Pakistan + Iran + Turkey = Islamic Super Power!
@Mukesh The US happened. India hardly matters.
The contours of the new security paradigm is emerging with these developments and thanks God for His mercy because our leaders are becoming insightful enough to forge the new dynamics of our chequred national interest. We must cherish the policy of hate for none and love for all amid the bitter realities of regional politics. Iran is a brotherly and a civilized country which can play it's due part in transforming the lives of millions of downtroden people if committed itself as a mediator for the neighboring countries. The people of the region are waiting that to happen sooner than later.
@Jalaluddin S. Hussain
The first lesson of history and international relations is that, there is no "REAL" friend. However, good relations with neighbors are very important than any other state of the world.
@S Prasad .we are Muslim brothers .no need of negitvity
@Mukesh .gas pipe is a reality. But what about chahbahar
Yes, It's a dream for every educated person in the region these three countries once united again! but in reality it's impossible.
@Niaz khan ...Very good reply Khan Saab.
@jA-australia India has 128 crore peoples to consume Iranian crude oil whereas Pakistan has 20 crore consumer. India has big name & voice in global arena . These two are the big reason why every country wants friendly relationship with India . So don't blame on Iran its natural. In current world business & trade matters because it lift poverty & led to growing and stable country.