Pakistan army chief, Iranian FM review border management, security challenges
ISLAMABAD: Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir reviewed border management and security challenges with Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi this week, the Pakistan military's media wing said, with the two sides agreeing to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Pakistan and Iran have often been at odds over instability along their shared, porous border and routinely trade blame for not rooting out militancy. Tensions surged in January last year when Pakistan and Iran exchanged airstrikes, with both claiming to target alleged militant hideouts in each other's territory.
Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Monday to hold talks with Pakistani leadership as Islamabad's tensions with New Delhi surge. Iran has offered to mediate between the two nuclear-armed nations as the threat of war looms over the South Asian region.
'The meeting featured constructive discussions on the geo-strategic environment, with particular focus on challenges confronted by both countries in the domain of security,' the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's media wing, said on Monday.
'The Pak-Iran border security mechanism was also reviewed as part of efforts to enhance bilateral coordination.'
The statement said both sides agreed to stay engaged for enhanced bilateral cooperation, while jointly working to assist in bringing 'positive developments' in issues concerning the region.
'The Iranian FM acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan's efforts for peace and stability in the region,' the ISPR said.
Earlier, Araghchi met Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as the two held delegation-level talks. Dar expressed appreciation for the positive momentum in Pakistan-Iran relations and emphasized the need to expand cooperation in key areas including trade, energy, border security, and regional connectivity, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
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