Iranian Interior Minister Dr. Ahmad Vahidi (left) calls on Prime Minister Imran Khan (right) during his one-day visit to Pakistan on Monday, February 14, 2022. — PID
- Iranian Interior Minister Dr Ahmad Vahidi said a “terrorist attack on Pakistan means an attack on Iran”.
- Prime Minister Imran Khan said joint cooperation between Pakistan and Iran was key to resolving security issues.
- Prime Minister Imran reiterates his invitation to President Raisi to visit Pakistan as soon as possible.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday met Iranian Interior Minister Dr. Ahmad Vahidi who came to Pakistan for a one-day visit.
According to a statement issued in this regard, the Prime Minister welcomed the positive momentum in the brotherly relations between the two countries and underlined the vast potential that exists for enhanced collaboration in various fields.
Prime Minister Imran Khan particularly underscored the importance of close bilateral collaboration to boost trade and regional connectivity, and also highlighted the rapid completion and operationalization of border livelihood markets and the economic upsurge of people. living on both sides of the border.
Emphasizing that the Pakistan-Iran border is a border of peace and friendship, the prime minister said joint cooperation was key to resolving security issues.
The Prime Minister then thanked the Iranian government and the country’s supreme leader for their unwavering support for the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir conflict.
The Prime Minister also welcomed the convergence of views regarding a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and stressed the importance of close coordination between the two countries.
According to the statement, the Prime Minister also stressed the need for urgent actions by the international community to avert the humanitarian crisis and economic collapse in Afghanistan and measures to strengthen practical engagement, strengthen stability and fight against terrorism.
The Prime Minister reiterated his invitation to President Raisi to visit Pakistan as soon as possible.
Dr. Vahidi conveyed the cordial greetings of Iranian leaders to the Prime Minister and reaffirmed Iran’s desire to strengthen bilateral relations in all aspects.
“A terrorist attack on Pakistan means an attack on Iran”: Dr Vahidi
Earlier in the day, Dr Vahidi upon his arrival in Islamabad with his nine-member delegation was received by his Pakistani counterpart Sheikh Rasheed at Noor Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi.
In a meeting, Pakistan and Iran agreed to form joint working groups to boost bilateral relations. The two sides also agreed to set up markets at the Pakistani-Iranian borders and increase the number of border terminals to boost trade.
Iranian delegation led by Home Minister Dr Ahmad Vahidi meets Pakistan Home Minister Sheikh Rasheed in Islamabad — Radio Pakistan
The two ministers also shared their views on completing the fence works at the Pak-Iran border as soon as possible, while the two leaders agreed that the territories of Pakistan and Iran should not be used. for terrorist activities against each other.
The meeting also discussed the regional security situation, the impending humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan and other important issues.
He also discussed prisoner exchanges and the facilitation zaaireen (pilgrims) from Pakistan to Iran.
Ways to prevent illegal human immigration and drug trafficking were also discussed at the meeting.
On this occasion, the Iranian Interior Minister strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and said that his country considers a “terrorist attack against Pakistan as an attack against Iran”.
Dr Vahidi said Pakistan and Iran have long historical ties.
For his part, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed thanked Iran for supporting Pakistan’s stance on Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK).
He said the recent increase in terrorist incidents is regrettable and common. “The international community should help the people of Afghanistan because a severe shortage of resources could lead to a humanitarian crisis in that country,” he said, adding that Pakistan would continue to play its positive role. for lasting peace in the region and the well-being of the Afghan people.
Meeting with COAS Gen Bajwa
The Iranian Minister and his delegation also visited the Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi today where they met with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Bajwa.
During the meeting, the geostrategic environment, in particular the regional security situation and bilateral cooperation in the fields of defense and security, was discussed.
— ISPR
According to a statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), COAS said that enhanced cooperation between the two brotherly neighbors is vital for peace and stability in the region.
The visiting dignitary, while acknowledging stability in Afghanistan as a collective regional responsibility, appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability, especially the humanitarian assistance provided to alleviate the challenges faced by the Afghan people.
— With an additional contribution from Radio Pakistan.