ISLAMABAD - Chief of General Staff (CGS) of Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran Major General Mohammad Bagheri accompanied by a high level delegation visited GHQ in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.
On arrival, the Iranian CGS was presented Guard of Honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army. According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate, the visiting dignitary laid floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and prayed for Martyrs of Pakistan. Later, the Iranian CGS called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
“During the meeting, a wide range of issues including Afghanistan situation, regional security and border management particularly fencing along Pak-Iran Border were discussed,” the ISPR said. Both agreed on further enhancing defence cooperation and working together for regional peace and unified response to terrorism which is a common enemy. “Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries and our close cooperation is vital for regional peace and stability,” COAS remarked.
During delegation level meeting, Iranian delegation was given a comprehensive regional security appraisal and operational update besides briefing on Training Regime of Pakistan Army including collaboration with friendly countries and conduct of various joint military exercises.
The Iranian CGS expressed his desire for further strengthening military to military ties particularly in counterterrorism and training domains.
Meanwhile, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces of Islamic Republic of Iran Major General Mohammad Bagheri called on General Nadeem Raza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee at Joint Staff Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.
During the meeting, both deliberated upon various areas of mutual interest, bilateral cooperation including defence and security, counter-terrorism and prevailing regional environment particularly with reference to Afghanistan. They dilated upon measures to enhance the level and scope of military engagements between both countries and pledged to continue to forge deeper ties.
According to the ISPR, both sides highlighted that common borders should be “Borders of Peace & Friendship.”
Chairman JCSC said that in pursuit of a closer military and strategic cooperation both countries share a common perception on all national and international issues. The dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in fight against terrorism.
The visit of the Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces of Islamic Republic of Iran marks a new stage in strengthening the military, defense and security relations between the two brotherly countries, Chairman JCSC added. Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent presented ‘Guard of Honour’ to the visiting dignitary.
