TEHRAN – Iranian Chief of Army Staff Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri emphasized the strengthening of military and security ties between Iran and Pakistan during his visit to the neighboring country.
In his remarks to reporters, Bagheri emphasized the growing cooperation and coordination between the two countries on various regional and international issues.
General Bagheri, who arrived in Islamabad on Sunday night, said, “Over the past year, we have witnessed important events in this region where Iran and Pakistan are two Islamic states located in sensitive regions of West Asia and South Asia.” ” he said.
He highlighted the extensive ties between Iran and Islamabad, saying the two countries share similar positions on many issues.
Mr. Bagheri pointed to the positive development of military relations between the two countries in recent years. “The relationship between the Iranian and Pakistani militaries is developing and we have reached a good agreement,” he said.
The general noted that the two countries are working to resolve security issues while expanding friendly and economic ties along their common border.
“The main themes of our visit include border issues and the development of military relations,” Bagheri elaborated.
The commander-in-chief’s visit to Islamabad followed an official invitation from Pakistan’s military commander, General Asim Munir.
The two-day visit will include meetings with Pakistan’s top political, military and security officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif and Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif.
The discussion is expected to include not only military and defense cooperation, but also regional development and the latest issues in the Islamic world.
This is General Bagheri’s third visit to Pakistan, following those in July 2018 and October 2021.
Last year, General Munir made an official visit to Tehran and met with General Bagheri and other Iranian military and civilian officials.
Increasing military relations between Iran and Pakistan
Tehran and Islamabad have stepped up military cooperation in recent years in response to shared security concerns, particularly along their 909-kilometre border.
Specifically, in 2023, Iran and Pakistan conducted a joint border security exercise. The exercise was aimed at strengthening operational coordination against terrorism, drug trafficking and other illegal activities.
Additionally, the two countries signed a security cooperation agreement in April 2024. The agreement includes the dispatch of colonel-level officers to border areas to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.