Iran’s SNSC Secretary Dr. Ali Ardashir Larijani calls on President, Prime Minister; discusses the regional, international situation
President Asif Ali Zardari exchanges views with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Ardashir Larijani, at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Photo: APP
ISLAMABAD:
A day after his arrival in Pakistan, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary, Dr. Ali Ardashir Larijani, Tuesday separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
According to a statement issued by the Presidential House, Dr. Larijani Zardari with Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam.
SNSC Deputy for Foreign Policy and International Security Ali Bagheri, SNSC Deputy for Security Alireza Bayat and SNSC Secretary for Asia, Eurasia and Oceania Committee Alireza Taqavaei-Zadeh were also part of his delegation.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, PPP leader Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, the Foreign Affairs Secretary and the National Security Secretary also attended the meeting.
According to the statement, issues related to the regional and international situation as well as security and counter-terrorism also came under discussion. Zardari noted that Pakistan and Iran enjoy a long-standing relationship rooted in history, faith and culture.
He said Pakistan wanted to work closely with Iran to increase bilateral trade, adding that rail connectivity between the two neighbors should be strengthened on a priority basis to support trade and promote tourism.
He noted that improved connectivity would facilitate businesses and travelers, especially pilgrims, and would help deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.
On the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, the president stressed the need for a mutually beneficial solution, noting Pakistan’s growing energy needs. He welcomed the recent technical discussions in Islamabad and said Pakistan looked forward to continuing the talks in Tehran.
The President thanked the Iranian leadership for its solidarity with Pakistan after the recent floods, including the humanitarian aid sent by the Iranian Red Crescent. Cooperation between neighboring countries was essential and in the common interest of both nations, he added.
He thanked Iran for its consistent support during the war with India and reiterated Pakistan’s political and diplomatic support to Iran in the wake of Israeli aggression.
He praised the resilience of the Iranian people during the recent war and praised the leadership shown by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei.
He also expressed appreciation for Iran’s principled support to the people of the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as well as to Palestine. The President welcomed Dr Larijani and congratulated him on taking charge of the SNSC.
He said frequent exchanges between Islamabad and Tehran reflected positive momentum in bilateral ties and warmly recalled his meeting with the Iranian president in August.
Dr. Larijani conveyed the best wishes and greetings of Supreme Leader and President Masoud Pezeshkian to Zardari. He thanked Pakistan for its diplomatic and moral support during the 12-day war earlier this year.
He praised the bravery and success of Pakistan Armed Forces in the recent events and said that Pakistan’s victory was their victory.
He said that after the Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan, several directives had been issued to provide preferential access to Pakistani products in Iran, creating a clear path towards achieving the $10 billion bilateral trade target.
The SNSC Secretary also called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who emphasized the importance of the historic and close brotherly relations between the two countries and stressed on strengthening and expanding the bilateral ties across various sectors.
Dr. Larijani also emphasized the need to strengthen relations between Pakistan and Iran in broad and mutually beneficial areas.
During the meeting, both sides discussed important regional and international developments and highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to work with Iran for a peaceful and prosperous future for both nations.
It was agreed that a delegation led by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will soon visit Iran to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries, especially in agriculture and connectivity.
Previously, Dar received Dr. Larijani of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who arrived in Islamabad on his official visit to Pakistan on Monday evening.
According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, Larijani is scheduled to meet Pakistan’s top leadership during his official visit to review the latest developments in bilateral relations, follow up on joint agreements, regional and international issues and issues of importance to the Islamic world.
The SNSC is the National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Council was formed to protect and support national interests and Islamic revolution and the country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
The Council is responsible for determining the country’s defense and national security policy within the framework of general policies established by the Supreme Leader.
It also coordinates political activities, intelligence services, social, cultural and economic areas related to general defense policies and national security. The SNSC is also responsible for the utilization of the country’s material and intellectual resources to face internal and external threats.
(WITH ACCESS FROM APP)
