Iran Sticks to Policy of Friendship with Pakistan: Top General
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Reaffirming Iran’s commitment to the promotion of ties with Pakistan, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri maintained that no external factor will harm the brotherly relations between the two Muslim neighbors.
In a telephone conversation with Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Asim Munir on Sunday, the top Iranian general emphasized that Iran’s policies have not changed after the passing away of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.
The plans for the expansion of relations with the neighbors and the enhancement of friendly and brotherly ties with Pakistan are unchanging policies of Iran, the top commander stated.
Expressing confidence that Iran and Pakistan will be able to broaden interaction seriously, General Baqeri emphasized that no external factor could undermine the friendship and brotherhood between the two neighbors.
In a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Tehran on May 22, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei described Pakistan as a brotherly neighbor of Iran, saying the relationship with Islamabad is very important for Tehran.
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude for the sympathy displayed by the Pakistani government and nation over the passing away of President Raisi in the helicopter crash, the Leader said, "Relations with Pakistan are very important for the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we completely view this country with a sense of brotherhood. However, the relations between the two countries have had their ups and downs in recent years. We believe that with the new government in Pakistan, there is the possibility of a renewed peak in these relations."
Referring to the emphasis of the late President Raisi on the importance of relations with Pakistan, the Leader added, “Mr. Raisi's recent visit to Pakistan can be a turning point in the relations between the two countries, and Dr. Mokhber will pursue the path of cooperation and agreements.”
Ayatollah Khamenei noted that “friendly relations between brotherly countries are not always a smooth process, and obstacles must be overcome and the progress of cooperation should be pursued diligently and put into action.”