Pakistan, Iran to join forces against Daesh, other terror outfits

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday agreed to work together for joint and coordinated efforts against Daesh and other terrorist organisations. Both countries also agreed to further enhance their cooperation to strengthen their ties in all fields, including trade, the economy, power and security, and particularly to fight terrorism.
Both countries had a very cordial and in-depth exchange of views on the whole range of bilateral and regional security issues during a meeting between Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and visiting Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Secretary Supreme National Security Council of Iran, here at the Foreign Office.
Sartaj Aziz, while addressing a joint press conference along with Admiral Ali Shamkhani, said Pakistan and Iran had already several institutional mechanisms to enhance cooperation in different fields, including tackling the border issues between the two countries.
Sartaj Aziz said the two countries had a very effective mechanism that includes a Joint Economic Commission, Joint Border Commission and Joint Commission on Road Transport. “We agreed to effectively utilise these platforms,” he added.
He said Shamkhani, who is on his first-ever visit to Pakistan in his capacity as the Secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, also discussed regional and international issues pertaining to regional and international security.
Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan and Iran enjoying close friendly relations embedded in common history culture and faith and the visit of Admiral Shamkhani is part of the continued high-level exchanges between the two brotherly countries.
He said the visit is reflective of the keenness on both sides to further strengthen ties between the two countries.Congratulating Iran on Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and P5+1 Pakistan hoped that the implementation of the agreement will open up new avenues of economic and trade opportunities and it will contribute to the promotion of peace security and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Sartaj Aziz said both sides noted that the security scenario in the region was evolving rapidly and there was a need for the two countries to work together through better and closer coordination on tracking and controlling existing and emerging terrorist threats in the region.
He said Pakistan condemned terrorism in its all forms and manifestations as it is a common enemy and threat which needs joint and coordinated response.“We agreed to cooperate more with Iran to tackle this menace and the related problems of smuggling and drug trafficking,” he added.
He said both sides also resolved to continue exploring new avenues of cooperation while striving to further deepen cooperation in trade and investment fields for the mutual benefit of two countries.
Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Secretary Supreme National Security Council of Iran, appreciating Pakistan’s efforts to fight terrorism, said that Iran will extend its full cooperation in this fight and even to fight against Daesh.He said terrorism and religious extremism against the Muslims are being projected and sponsored by Jewish community that need joint efforts by the Muslim community to counter these measures.
Replying to a question he said he also discussed the prospects for gas pipeline and power projects to meet energy requirements of Pakistan and hoped that these projects would be completed as early as possible.
Admiral Ali Shamkhani, while commenting on the news that Chahbahar Port of Iran and Gwadar Port of Pakistan are being built to compete each other, explained that these two important projects are to supplement each other’s efforts in promoting trade in the region.
He said Iran is also ready to extend its cooperation for the development in Balochistan province.Replying to question on Syrian issue Admiral Ali Shamkhani said Iran wants peaceful political situation of Syria and to end the fighting in the region.
Answering a question on Kashmir issue and its solution Admiral Ali Shamkhani said Iran wants peaceful solution to Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmir people.
To a question, Shamkhani said that after creation of Soviet Union, there was a ban on building mosques but this act couldn’t eliminate religion there. In the same way Muslims faith cannot be weakened by banning slaughter of cows, he added.
Appreciating Pakistan s assistance in holding dialogue between Taliban representatives and Afghan Government he said success of these dialogue process will ensure peace and development in the region.
Sartaj Aziz in replying to a question said Pakistan will welcome any role of Iran for the success of Afghan Taliban dialogue process.
Meanwhile, visiting Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Admiral Ali Shamkhani also met National Security Adviser Lt Gen (R) Nasser Khan Janjua here.
Admiral Ali Shamkhani felicitated Nasser Janjua on assumption of the office of Adviser on National Security and expressed the desire to work closely with him in order to achieve common security objectives.
The two sides exchanged views on evolving regional security situation.
The adviser congratulated Admiral Shamkhani on successful conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which would end sanctions against Iran.
He also expressed the hope that the ties between the two countries would further strengthen with the implementation of the JCPOA. He briefed Admiral Shamkhani on Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Admiral Shamkhani fondly recalled his previous visits to Pakistan in various capacities and shared Iran’s perspective on regional security situation.
The two sides agreed to deepen Pakistan-Iran cooperation on various regional issues, including Afghanistan.The meeting which was held in a very cordial atmosphere lasted for two hours.