Islamabad and Tehran on Thursday agreed to enhance security as well as political cooperation, a Foreign Office press release read.

Iran Air Force Commander Brigadier General Hassan Shahsafi, along with a delegation, called on National Security Adviser retired General Nasser Khan Janjua where the two sides discussed options for improving the bilateral relations and matters pertaining to regional security.

Janjua warmly welcomed the guests and shed light on the significance of Iran for Pakistan. “We believe that Pakistan and Iran share a common future and need to enhance their cooperation,” he was quoted as saying.

The Iranian commander emphasised the importance of identifying and removing all the impediments affecting the bilateral relations. Janjua also highlighted the challenges being faced by both the countries at regional and international levels. He said that the solution of all these issues lies in the cooperative framework.

Talking about the situation in Afghanistan, both sides agreed that peace in Afghanistan is prerequisite for establishing peace in the region. They also stressed on the need of unity in the Muslim bloc of the world.

The security adviser reiterated that Islamabad, without taking sides, has played a positive and balanced role in the region and the Muslim world. Both Pakistan and Iran required deliberation and strategic patience to overcome the prevailing difficulties and to strengthen their bilateral relations, he added.

Both sides also agreed to increase engagements at all levels in multiple areas, including politics, defence trade and economics.