Army chief departs for two-day official visit to Iran

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has embarked on a two-day official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, The Inter-Services Public Relations said on Friday.

During his visit, General Asim is slated to meet key figures from Iran's military and civilian leadership. 

According to the military’s media wing, the COAS will discuss bilateral matters related to defence and security cooperation during his meetings.

The itinerary of the diplomatic mission places emphasis on strengthening ties between the two countries, with a particular focus on security and defence cooperation. The visit comes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and underscores the importance Pakistan places on its connections with Iran.

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The meeting comes a month after China, Pakistan and Iran held their first counter-terrorism dialogue in Beijing, signalling the emergence of new alignments in the region.

The dialogue was seen as a key indicator of new alliances with China in the lead role after Beijing brokered a landmark deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, leading to the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Also in June, Iranian Naval Chief Rear Admiral Shahram Irani proposed an Indian Ocean Naval Alliance comprising Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, India and Pakistan aimed at ensuring collective maritime security.

The proposal, if executed, could be one of the most important regional security initiatives after the China-mediated rapprochement between Riyadh and Tehran. 

According to the reports, China may have an important role to play in the proposed maritime alliance.

Many observers believe that China, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Russia to name a few are the natural allies as their interests are converging in the increasingly bipolar world.