Iran calls for expanding strategic cooperation with Pakistan
Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam and others attend the roundtable meeting. Photo: CISS
Iran has called for expanding strategic cooperation with Pakistan to help reduce tensions in the Gulf region. Tehran also described Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts as an important contribution to regional peace and stability.
Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam made the remarks at a roundtable organized by the Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS).
He said, “Pakistan has played a constructive diplomatic role in facilitating dialogue and advancing efforts for regional peace and stability. Strengthening our bilateral cooperation is essential to addressing the current security challenges in West Asia.”
Diplomats, academics, defense analysts, and researchers attended the discussion titled “Pakistan Iran Relations and Strategic Stability in West Asia.” They discussed the future direction of Pakistan Iran relations in the context of the region’s increasingly volatile security environment.
In his opening remarks, CISS Executive Director Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi said the recent tensions have created new uncertainty for regional peace, maritime security, and the global energy market. As a result, sustainable dialogue and regional engagement have become more important than ever.
Former Ambassador Masood Khan said Pakistan’s consistent position in favor of the peaceful resolution of disputes and its ability to maintain constructive relations with regional and international partners have enhanced Islamabad’s credibility.
Ambassador Moin ul Haque, Director General of the Institute of Strategic Studies, said the resilience and national unity demonstrated by the Iranian people during the recent conflict helped the country play an important role in responding to the crisis.
Dr. Najish Mahmood of Quaid i Azam University said greater cooperation between Pakistan and Iran in border security, trade, energy, and regional connectivity could make a meaningful contribution to long term regional stability.
Retired Rear Admiral Faisal Shah commented on the maritime dimension of the crisis, saying the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s key energy transit points. Prolonged instability there could have a far reaching impact on international trade, energy security, and maritime stability.
Dr. Bilal Zubair, Research Director at CISS, expressed hope that the recent conflict has brought Pakistan and Iran closer than before. Their shared border, economic interdependence, and common concerns over regional instability are strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Earlier, on July 21, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan on an official trip. During a meeting at the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation and various issues of mutual interest.
Source: Dawn (Adapted)
