Iranian Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar and his Pakistani counterpart, Rehman Malik signed an agreement on Tuesday to enhance security cooperation, and underlined the necessity for joint campaign against terrorism in the region.
Addressing a joint press conference, Najjar said the terrorist explosion in Quetta and similar events were contrary to the establishment of stability and security in the Middle-East.
The Iranian minister condemned the recent terrorist attack in Quetta, adding, “Unfortunately, terrorist incidence led to getting killed a large number of innocent Muslim people and we sincerely condole with the government and people of Pakistan, particularly with the victims’ bereaved families.”
The Iranian interior minister said, “Beyond doubt such criminal and dispute-aimed moves are not to the benefit of Pakistan, and will not be harmonious with the interests of Pakistan and the only people whose interests would be secured are the wretched enemies of Pakistan.”
“The two countries are seriously interested in increasing the level of bilateral cooperation and the Iranian and Pakistani governments and officials must therefore prepare the ground for comprehensive expansion of ties,” he said.
“Keeping in mind the two countries, presidents Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Asif Ali Zardari’s emphasis on expansion of interactions and improving the level of comprehensive cooperation in commercial, political, economic and security fields, we have reached satisfactory results jointly and the Pakistani Interior Ministry caretaker’s visit, too, is in line with those objectives.”
He expressed hope that signing this agreement would be a step towards strengthening and further improvement of the already excellent Iran-Pakistan relations.
Interior Minister Malik praised Iranian nation’s sympathy with the bereaved families of Quetta, and said despite terrorist moves in Pakistan, there was no dispute between Pakistani Shia and Sunni brethren.
“The Pakistani Shia and Sunni brethren are standing side by side of each other in their campaign against the enemies of Islam,” Malik said.
“The security cooperation agreement is a sign of Iran and Pakistan’s resolute determination and immense might for campaign against the criminals.”
On Monday, Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and visiting Interior Minister Rehman Malik exchanged views over regional developments, and also called for expansion of bilateral ties in all areas between the two Muslim nations.
“Iran and Pakistan have deep and brotherly ties, and this has developed a sense of close brotherhood between the two countries,” the Iranian president said during a meeting with Malik in Tehran.
He also underlined the crucial role of Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in tackling regional issues.
Malik said the Pakistani nation considered Iran’s friendship “truly honest”, adding that Iran had always assisted Pakistan in its hour of need.
He also said the biggest problem in Pakistan was terrorism and the drone strikes carried out by the United States.