Pak Army Chief Iran visit, new chapter in bilateral ties: Analyst

In an interview with IRNA, Lieutenant General (Retd) Talat Masood said that it is a very positive development and would open new chapter in bilateral cooperation.

“I think it is a very positive development in the sense that after long time Pakistan army chief is visiting Iran, this also shows that Pakistan wants to develop strong defense and security ties with Iran,” he said.

Lieutenant General Talat Masoud said that Iran and Pakistan have common border of over 900 kilometers and that needs monitoring from both sides and very close cooperation.

“Both sides are having problems caused by drug traffickers and militant groups, so I think the visit is a very positive development to enhance cooperation on border management,' he pointed put.

Masoud went on to say that in present security situation of Middle East, especially the conflict going on between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Pakistan who has good ties with both countries can play a positive role in reducing the tensions if they accept Pakistan’s role.

Expressing his views, Talat Masood said that after the announcement of the new US policy in the region, the cooperation between Iran and Pakistan is very important.

“Pakistan and Iran both are under pressure from the US and Pakistan doesn’t want Iran to be isolated and at the same time by having good relations with Pakistan, Iran can also benefit,” the analyst said.

He added that Pakistan wants to show to the world that it has different options, it has very good relations with Iran and China and its ties with Russia are improving. “Pakistan is trying to develop new chapter with Iran,” Talat Masoud said.

Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa is currently on a visit to Iran. He had meetings with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Iranian Chief of General Staff (CGS) Major General Mohammad Bagheri.

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