Army chief welcomed in Iran, discusses regional security, stability

TEHRAN: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa was welcomed by top Iranian military officials on Monday, including Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri. 

General Bajwa held delegation-level talks with his Iranian counterparts and also held a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and President Hassan Rouhani, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)

The talks focused on issues related to the geo-strategic environment, the Afghan situation, the growing threat of Daesh in the region and security along the shared border between the two countries. 

Matters of bi-lateral interest, namely security, defence and economic cooperation at the regional level was also discussed at the meeting, added ISPR. 

The army chief said during the meetings that Iran and Pakistan are two brotherly neighbours with shared history, culture and religion. 

The leadership of both nations agreed to stay engaged bilaterally for enhanced cooperation while jointly working to assist in bring positive developments in other issues concerning the region. 

The army chief earlier on Sunday arrived in Tehran on an official three-day visit, said the Inter-Services Public Relations.

On October 31, Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Honardoost called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters.

The two figures had discussed regional security, Pakistan-Iran border management, visits and exchanges in the defence realm.

"The visiting dignitary acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army’s contributions for peace and stability in the region and pledged to keep working for better relations between two brotherly countries," the ISPR had said in a statement following the meeting.