*Islamabad — The head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relationssays Pakistan’s Gwadar port could be connected to Chabahar to complete theChinese One Belt and One Road Initiative (OBOR).*
Kamal Kharazi who was in Islamabad to participate at a seminar on ‘Pakistanand Regional Security in West Asia-The Role of Iran’ organized by IslamabadPolicy Institute (IPI) said Chabahar is open to all those countries whowish to be part of the project, State run IRNA has reported.
He said although Pakistan is not considered geographically part of WestAsia, its close relations with the countries in this region not only hasgiven her an important position among West Asian countries, but thedevelopments in this region have had high impacts on the political,economic and social development of Pakistan, and on the other hand,Pakistan’s policies on the region.
“From another angle, Iran and Pakistan are both two major countries in theIndian Ocean region, and play important and significant roles in the OmanSea, South Asia and the Indian Ocean. Therefore, Iran-Pakistan relationsshould be considered from different perspectives,” Kharazi pointed out.
He said since the separation of Pakistan from India, a very close andfriendly relation was established between Iran and Pakistan and in fact,until the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the relationship between the twocountries was unique.
“Even at the time when Pakistani security was at stake, Iran was supportiveto its friend, Pakistan as much as possible,” added Kharazi.
The expert on international affairs said, however, during the Sovietinvasion of Afghanistan, despite the fact that both countries supported thepeople of Afghanistan and paid heavy price, but the political and militarydevelopments in the region and the intervention of the United States andthe Arab states of the Persian Gulf in Afghanistan led Iran and Pakistan toadopt two different approaches towards that crises.
“Pakistan expanded its relations with the United States and the PersianGulf Arab states, and Iran adopted a new policy which was not in line withthe US policies, and gradually the level of cooperation between the twocountries decreased,” the official said.
Expressing his views, the analyst said given the existing opportunities andthreats in the West and South Asia, and the policies adopted against bothcountries, it is imperative that the two countries work together, in lightof what is listed below, to turn those threats into opportunities and seizeopportunities in their common interests.
He said the Arab revolutions that took place in the region about sevenyears ago, affected even the non-Arab countries and developed instabilitythroughout the region.
“In these developments, some countries have been playing a destabilizingrole, while others have tried to stabilize the region. Pakistan has playedan impartial role in these developments despite being a member of coalitioncreated by Saudi Arabia and under its pressure. However, a militaryalliance that is shaped in support of one country and against another wouldhave a negative impact on the stability of the whole region,” he said.
He added that since Pakistan has good relations with all countries in theregion, it can play a constructive intermediary role in bringing thecountries of the region closer together.
Former foreign minister said instability in West Asia has led to theemergence of Takfiri terrorism that could jeopardize the security of allcountries, including Iran and Pakistan.
“Security and intelligence cooperation between the two countries not onlywould reduce the dangers of terrorist activities in the two countries, butalso would have a positive impact on the stability of the whole region,” hesaid.
Kharazi was of the view that Afghanistan is a crisis that has cost Iran andPakistan heavy prices since four decades ago. “However, in spite of theproblems that may have been occasionally arisen, the two countries have nochoice but to work together to promote stability and security inAfghanistan and reduce terrorist activities,” said the expert.
He added Indian Ocean Security is essential for the security of Iran andPakistan.
“Pakistan has particular security concerns regarding its neighbor India,which needs to be addressed. In contrast, the security concerns of theIran, especially on its eastern borders, should be addressed by Pakistan,”said the Iranian official.
Kharazi said possible economic cooperation between Iran and India inChabahar, is one of Pakistan’s concerns.
“Iran is not oblivious on this concern, and Chabahar is open to othercountries who wish to be present,” he said.
The analyst said in fact the cooperation of China and Pakistan with Iran inChabahar may reduce this concern. “As a proposal, Pakistan’s Gwadar portcould be connected to Chabahar to complete the Chinese One Belt and OneRoad Initiative,” he said.