Islamabad, January 29, 2024, The Europe Today: In the aftermath of recent missile exchanges and the tragic killing of nine Pakistani laborers in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province, Pakistan and Iran announced on Monday their agreement to operationalize a mechanism deploying military liaison officers in each other’s country. The move is intended to bolster coordination and efficiency in responding to common threats and enhancing bilateral security efforts.
The decision was reached during a crucial meeting between Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The meeting aimed at addressing the tensions that emerged following recent missile strikes and counter-attacks between the two nations.
Recognizing the deep historical, religious, and cultural ties binding the two nations, both sides stressed the need to strengthen bilateral relations and foster a better understanding of each other’s concerns. General Munir emphasized the importance of respecting each state’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, describing it as “sacrosanct, inviolable, and the most important cardinal of state-to-state relationships.”
Both countries acknowledged terrorism as a common threat requiring collaborative efforts, enhanced coordination, and intelligence sharing. General Munir highlighted the importance of sustained engagement and utilizing available communication channels to address security concerns effectively.
As part of a joint effort to improve coordination and response efficiency against shared threats, the decision to operationalize the deployment of military liaison officers in each other’s countries was made, with the process expected to commence at an early date.
Reaffirming their commitment to closely engage with each other, the nations emphasized preventing any attempts by spoilers to create divisions between them. The statement underscored that Pakistan and Iran are fraternal neighbors, with intertwined destinies, and highlighted the commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the border region for the well-being of people on both sides.
