COAS discusses defence, economic cooperation with Iranian civil, military leadership

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa met Iranian military and civilian leadership during his ongoing visit to Iran and discussed issues related to the geo-strategic environment, defence & security and economic cooperation.

The COAS met Iranian Chief of General Staff (CGS) Major General Muhammad Bagheri at General Staff HQ where he was presented guard of honour and he laid a floral wreath at Martyrs Monument. Delegation level talks were held on this occasion, Inter-Services Public Relations reported.

Both the leaders discussed Afghan situation, growing threat of ISIS in the region and Pak-Iran border security.

The Pakistan Army chief termed Pak-Iran border as a border of peace & friendship and emphasized its better security management, so as to deny its exploitation by the terrorists being a common enemy. Both sides agreed to further the proposals for its formalization, the media wing of Pakistan military said.

“Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly neighbors with shared history, culture and religion. Both armies also have history of defence collaboration and cooperation which has great mutually benefiting potential for its enhancement,” said Qamar Bajwa.

He also held meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at Presidential Palace.

Iranian leadership thanked COAS for his visit and acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices and achievements in the war against terror, contributions towards regional peace and the important positive role that Pakistan is playing in this regard.

Leaders of both sides agreed to stay engaged for enhanced bilateral cooperation while jointly working to assist in bringing positive developments in other issues concerning the region.