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

Iran Air Force Commander Brigadier General Hassan Shahsafi, along with adelegation, called on National Security Adviser retired General Nasser KhanJanjua where the two sides discussed options for improving the bilateralrelations and matters pertaining to regional security.

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

The Iranian commander emphasised the importance of identifying and removingall the impediments affecting the bilateral relations. Janjua alsohighlighted the challenges being faced by both the countries at regionaland international levels. He said that the solution of all these issueslies in the cooperative framework.

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

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

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