Iranian Foreign Minister meets Pakistan Army Chief at GHQ

Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif called on Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi where they discussed regional security situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The army’s media wing said the visiting dignitary “acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s contributions for conflict prevention in the region”.
Pakistani media has noted that Iran has been warming up to Pakistan after remaining lukewarm for decades and potentially sees its neighbour as part of the emerging regional bloc that could include Russia and China. Iran this year celebrated Pakistan’s Independence Day in an unprecedented manner, displaying large greeting hoardings along major highways in Iranian cities.
The Iranian FM’s trip comes ahead of US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Joseph F. Dunford’s visit to Islamabad next week for talks with their counterparts.