Riyadh and Tehran have shown a willingness to talk
DESPARDES — Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Bajwa is in Tehran on official visit.
The General met Major General Mohammad Hossein, Chief of Staff Iranian Armed Forces. Both discussed regional security environment, efforts for regional peace and stability.
Pakistan-Iran Border Security Mechanism was also discussed– Pakistan is well ahead with the 900-km long robust fence it is building at the Pak-Iran-Afghan porous border, said a source.
The overall 2600km military-led massive construction program includes fencing the Pak-Afghan porous border also, leading to an improved security situation in the region.
Regional security remains a concern though, as Islamabad seeks ‘enduring peace, stability’ in the region– a statement General Bajwa made in Quetta in September.
ADVERTISEMENT
According to The Express Tribune, the visit is part of Pakistan’s continuing efforts aimed at defusing tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The report said there have been a flurry of high-level exchanges between the two neighboring countries in recent months, with focus on brokering some kind of a deal between Tehran and Riyadh.
Last month, PM Khan along with ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed visited Tehran. It was part of Islamabad’s efforts to facilitate talks between Tehran and Riyadh, the report said.
Saudi and Iran (regional rivals) tension had hit a new low after Saudi oil facilities came under missile attacks in September amid additional build-up of US military deployment in the region. Saudi Arabia and the US blamed Iran but Tehran denied any responsibility and rejected the claims.
Since then, the uptick in tensions has climbed down.
Iran urged regional powers to use diplomacy to reduce tensions, including Yemen’s war.
Reuters said Riyadh and Tehran have shown a willingness to talk.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan had played a role in preventing further escalation in tensions between Saudi and Iran.
