ISLAMABAD – President Mamnoon Hussain on Monday hoped that Pakistan andIran would continue efforts for dealing with cross-border challenges andhigh level visits will further strengthen defence cooperation between thetwo countries.

He was talking to Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces of Iran MajorGeneral Muhammad Hossein Bagheri who called on him here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The President emphasized that Pakistan and Iran enjoy close, cordial andfraternal relations based on a shared faith, culture and history.

He further stated that relations between both countries have seen a new eraespecially after Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan and Pakistan’s Chiefof Army Staff’s visit to Iran last year.

He underlined that objective of Gwadar Port project was to enhanceconnectivity between different countries of the region and this projectwill be beneficial for the whole region.

The President stated that a stable Afghanistan is in the best interest ofthe region. Pakistan supports Afghan owned, Afghan led peace andreconciliation process, he added.

He said that as neighbours of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran were committedto promote peace and stability in Afghanistan. “We look forward to enhanceour cooperation with Iran for peace and prosperity in the region,” headded. – APP