Iran’s army chief, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, headed a high-level military delegation to Islamabad last week at the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa. Marking a new phase in military ties between both neighbors, the trip held special significance as it took place at a time when the region is going through major geopolitical changes.

In remarks welcoming his Iranian guest, Bajwa stated, “Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries and our close cooperation is vital for regional peace and stability.”

In response, Bagheri suggested enhanced cooperation in the domains of counterterrorism and military training. In agreement that Pakistan and Iran’s mutual borders should become “borders of peace and friendship,” the two generals had a successful one-to-one meeting.

In an interview with IRNA, Bagheri said that Iran and Pakistan had deep and historical ties and cooperation on common borders had been enhanced in recent years. Observing that Iran and Pakistan had common concerns in Afghanistan, Bagheri said, “We must consult with each other and take decisions that lead to the progress of the Afghan people and help in forming an inclusive government in the country.”