Iran sees Pakistan's security as its own: Iranian defence minister

TEHRAN: The Iranian Minister of Defence Brigadier General Amir Hatami, during a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, said that Iran sees Pakistan's security as its own, reported IRNA. 

"Respect for territorial integrity, solidarity and national sovereignty of the regional countries is among the fixed principles of the Iranian foreign policies," said Hatami. 

Speaking in regards to regional and international developments, the Iranian defence minister said the arrival of Gen Bajwa in Iran is a move which will fortify bilateral relations in the areas of security and stability. 

Hatami also added that relations between Pakistan and Iran "are in line with strengthening defense capabilities of both neighboring countries".

Stressing on the development of ties with Iran's neighbours, the defence minister, he said Pakistan has a long border with the country and also a common religion and culture. 

Hatami also expressed hope that cooperation between the two countries will lead to the establishment of peace in war-ravaged Afghanistan. 

The defence minister also reiterated that Iran supports Pakistan's defence and military achievements "within the framework of strengthening regional security and stability".

The Inter-Services Public Relations, in a statement issued, said Gen Bajwa also visited the headquarters of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and interacted with the senior leadership of the corps. 

The army chief, in discussion with his Iranian counterparts, said due to the special measure taken on the Pak-Afghan border, terrorists are like to exploit the border between Iran and Pakistan. 

Both sides agreed that their soil will not be used by any third-party against the countries and also discussed measures to improve border management, including a hotline between commanders posted at the border, fencing by Iran on their side of the border, joint patrolling, intelligence sharing and more frequent interactions, added ISPR. 

On Monday, Bajwa was welcomed by top Iranian military officials, including Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri.

General Bajwa held delegation-level talks with his Iranian counterparts and also held a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and President Hassan Rouhani, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)

The talks focused on issues related to the geo-strategic environment, the Afghan situation, the growing threat of Daesh in the region and security along the shared border between the two countries. 

The army chief said during the meetings that Iran and Pakistan are two brotherly neighbours with shared history, culture and religion. 

The army chief is on an official three-day visit to Iran.

The Iranian visit by the army chief was preceded by Iran's Ambassador Mehdi Honardoost calling on General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters.