Iran appreciates Pak efforts for regional peace: Gen Janjua

ISLAMABAD: Iran has appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for the regional peace and elimination of terrorism on its soil. It has assured its support for the endeavours of Pakistan. This has been stated by National Security Advisor (NSA) of Pakistan General Nasser Khan Janjua Monday evening from Tehran where he has gone to represent Pakistan in 2nd Tehran Security Conference on Regional Security in the West Asia under the title of “Emerging Challenges and Trends.”

He has met Iran’s Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif, his counterpart Shamskhwani and other dignitaries. More than two hundred stalwarts of the European Union, Central Asia and the region are attending the conference. General Janjua told The News/Jang that he has explained the Iranian leadership about Pakistan’s approach regarding the intra-Muslim countries disputes. Pakistan has been following a balanced approach since it is a nuclear and important state. “Pakistan hasn’t joined any block in the conflicts of the region as it believes in playing constructive role for reduction of tension in the various areas,” he told his interlocutors in Tehran. He reminded the host leaders that efforts of Pakistan’s leader Nawaz Sharif for reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia are matter of record, who dashed to Riyadh and Tehran for his peace mission.

He said, “Pakistan is determined to maintain cordial ties with fellow brethren Muslim countries and it keeps on strive to forge unity in their ranks despite prevailing tensions.” To a query General Nasser Khan Janjua said that tense ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran are source of concern for Pakistan and “we can pray that the relationship between the two brethren countries should be normal as the Muslim world is facing enormous complexities.”

The 2nd Tehran Security Conference was inaugurated on Monday morning in the Iranian capital. More than 200 Iranian and foreign political dignitaries and analysts from 49 Asian and European countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon, Oman, UK, Italy, Denmark, Tajikistan, Sweden, Syria and Austria are taking part in the event.

The three-day conference comprises three sessions on ‘Foreign Policy and Regional Security’, ‘Economy and Regional Security’, and ‘Defense and Regional Security’. Iranian Foreign Minister Muhammad Javad Zarif, Minister of Defense Brig Gen Amir Hatami, and Parliament Speaker Dr Ali Larijani have delivered keynote speeches at the conference.

The goal of the event is to establish a forum for dialogue, confidence-building and strengthening cooperation among West Asian countries to achieve security and collective development.