Iran’s SNSC Secretary Dr. Ali Ardashir Larijani Calls on President and Prime Minister; analyzes the regional and international situation
President Asif Ali Zardari exchanges views with Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Ardashir Larijani at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Photo: APP
ISLAMABAD:
A day after his arrival in Pakistan, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Dr Ali Ardashir Larijani on Tuesday held 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 visited Zardari along with Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam.
Also part of his delegation were SNSC Deputy for Foreign Policy and International Security, Ali Bagheri, SNSC Deputy for Security, Alireza Bayat, and Secretary of the SNSC Asia, Eurasia and Oceania Committee, Alireza Taqavaei-Zadeh.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, PPP leader Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Foreign Secretary and Homeland Security Secretary also attended the meeting.
According to the statement, issues related to the regional and international situation, as well as security and counterterrorism, were also discussed. Zardari noted that Pakistan and Iran enjoy a long-standing relationship rooted in history, faith and culture.
He said Pakistan is willing to work closely with Iran to increase bilateral trade, adding that the railway link between the two neighbors needs to be strengthened on a priority basis to support trade and promote tourism.
He noted that better connectivity would make things easier for businesses and travelers, especially pilgrims, and help deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.
Regarding the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, the president highlighted the need for a mutually viable solution, highlighting Pakistan’s growing energy needs. He welcomed the recent technical discussions in Islamabad and said Pakistan looked forward to continuing talks in Tehran.
The president thanked the Iranian leadership for its solidarity with Pakistan following the recent floods, including the humanitarian assistance sent by the Iranian Red Crescent. Cooperation between neighboring countries was essential and of shared interest for both nations, he added.
He thanked Iran for its constant support during the war with India and reiterated Pakistan’s political and diplomatic support for Iran after the 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 Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as well as Palestine. The President welcomed Dr. Larijani and congratulated him for assuming the responsibility of the SNSC.
He said the frequent exchanges between Islamabad and Tehran reflected positive momentum in bilateral relations and warmly recalled his meeting with the Iranian president in August.
Dr. Larijani conveyed to Zardari the best wishes and greetings of Supreme Leader and President Masoud Pezeshkian. He thanked Pakistan for its diplomatic and moral support during the 12-day war earlier this year.
He praised the valor and success of Pakistan’s armed forces in recent developments and said Pakistan’s victory was its victory.
He said following the Iranian president’s visit to Pakistan, several directives had been issued to give preferential access to Pakistani products in Iran, creating a clear path towards achieving the bilateral trade target of $10 billion.
The SNSC secretary also appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who highlighted the importance of the historic and close brotherly relations between the two countries and emphasized strengthening and expanding bilateral ties in various sectors.
Dr. Larijani also underlined the need to improve relations between Pakistan and Iran in broad and mutually beneficial areas.
During the meeting, both sides discussed key 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 working 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 enhance cooperation between the two countries, particularly in agriculture and connectivity.
Earlier, Dar received Dr Larijani at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who arrived in Islamabad on his official visit to Pakistan on Monday night.
According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, Larijani is scheduled to meet Pakistan’s top leaders during his official visit to review the latest developments in bilateral relations, follow up on joint agreements, regional and international issues and matters of importance to the Islamic world.
The SNSC is the national security council of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The council was formed for the protection and support of national interests and the Islamic revolution and the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the country.
The council is responsible for determining the country’s national security and defense policies within the framework of general policies determined by the supreme leader.
It also coordinates political, intelligence, social, cultural and economic activities related to general defense and national security policies. The SNSC is also responsible for the exploitation of the country’s material and intellectual resources to address internal and external threats.
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APP)
