TEHRAN – Iran’s defense minister called for cooperation with Pakistan to help establish peace and security in Afghanistan.
In a meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Tehran on Tuesday, Brigadier General Amir Hatami called for closer interaction between the two Muslim neighbors to ensure regional stability.
Iran and Pakistan’s synergy could help the Afghan government to end a crisis that has engulfed that country for 37 years and to experience peace and security, the Iranian minister added.
Iran’s fixed policy is respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of regional nations, General Hatami reiterated.
The Pakistani general, for his part, said fighting against terrorism and combatting insecurity along the common border with Iran are among Islamabad’s main priorities in the military sphere.
He also stressed the need for Muslim unity and concerted action by regional nations to ensure sustainable security and stability.
The top Pakistani commander arrived in Tehran on Sunday evening for an official visit, and was received by Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri in a formal ceremony on Monday morning.
General Bajwa has also held meetings with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.