- Dastgir, Honardost discuss bilateral relations
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Iran Mehdi Honardost called on Minister for Defence Khurram Dastgir at the Ministry of Defence and discussed with him the bilateral relations.
The minister welcomed the dignitary and expressed good wishes for the Iranian leadership, while the ambassador felicitated Khurram Dastagir on assuming the portfolio of the Defence Ministry. He emphasised that there exists huge potential of collaboration between the two countries.
Dastgir emphasised on the importance of the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran and expressed the hope that the bilateral relations would continue to evolve on principles of mutual respect, common interests and understanding each other perceptions.
The minister also highlighted the important role of Pakistan as a stabilising factor for regional security. He said that the regional cooperation was essential to attain sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan as well as in the region.
The ambassador acknowledged the substantial collaboration which already exists between Pakistan and Iranian navies. He said that the overall trend of strengthening relations is positive. Dastgir said that personnel of the armed forces may avail courses in each other’s training institution.
Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan Erik Beishembiev who along with the delegation also called on Khurram Dastgir at the Ministry of Defence and expressed keen interest to explore and avail the training opportunities of Kyrgyz armed forces personnel in Pakistan. The delegation also showed interest in the vast potential of Pakistan’s defence industry.
Dastgir said that Pakistan highly values the friendly relations with Kyrgyzstan and looks forward to further strengthening this friendship. He appreciated Kyrgyzstan’s policy of neutrality in all regional and global issues. He offered training of the Kyrgyz armed forces in Pakistan’s military institutions.
He said that Pakistan continues to maintain and further enhance cooperation with Kyrgyzstan within the framework of regional and international forums. He said that Pakistan can provide trade corridor to Kyrgyzstan, over land and through its seaports of Gwadar and Karachi.