Pakistan, Iran agree to deny exploitation of border by terrorists

Gen Qamar says Pak-Iran border is the border of peace and friendship

To improve all mechanism to avoid cross-border terror activities, Pakistan and Iran have agreed to deny exploitation of their borders by terrorists, a statement issued by the military’s media wing said.

The development came during the meeting of army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa with Iranian civil-military leadership in Tehran on Monday.

COAS visiting Iran.
Meets Iranian Mil and Civ leadership including Iranian CGS, Foreign Minister & the President.(1/3) pic.twitter.com/cC9g7klfWJ

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) November 6, 2017

“The Pak-Iran border is the border of peace and friendship,” Gen Qamar was cited by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Maj-Gen Asif Ghafoor as saying.

The chief of army staff (COAS), who is on a three-day official visit to Iran, held meetings with President Hassan Rowhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at the Presidential Palace.

Gen Qamar also met Chief of General Staff (CGS) Maj-Gen Muhammad Bagheri at General Staff Headquarters where he was presented guard of honour. The COAS laid floral wreath at Martyrs Monument.

Iranian leadership acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices, contributions & positive role towards peace(2/3) pic.twitter.com/uPempnXQ5Q

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) November 6, 2017

“Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly neighbors with shared history, culture and religion, Gen Qamar said, adding that both armies also have history of defence collaboration and cooperation which has great mutually benefiting potential for its enhancement.

Iranian leadership thanked the army chief for his visit and acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices and achievements in war against terror, contributions towards regional peace and the important positive role that Islamabad is playing in this regard.

“Pak-Iran Bdr is bdr of peace & friendship. Its exploitation by terrorists, a common enemy can’t be allowed” COAS. (3/3) pic.twitter.com/kfh0jD87h7

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) November 6, 2017

During the meetings, Gen Qamar discussed issues related to Geo-strategic environment, defence and security, and economic cooperation at bilateral as well as regional level.

The two neighbouring countries also exchanged views on Afghan situation, growing threat of Islamic State (IS), also known as Da’ish, in the region and Pak-Iran border security.

Leaders of both sides agreed to stay engaged for enhanced bilateral cooperation while jointly working to assist in bringing positive developments in other issues concerning the region.