TEHRAN: Iran and Pakistan are complementary to each other and their relations are strategic, Minister of Interior Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said on Tuesday.

He made these remarks in a meeting with Pakistani Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security Nasir Khan Janjua.

The official said Iran is ready to hold the upcoming joint economic commission of Iran and Pakistan in Tehran. He also called for cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad in border control, adding that Iran sees economic development of border areas with Pakistan as a precondition to sustainable security there. Terrorist groups like Daesh (ISIS) are common threats, he noted.

Gen Janjua for his part said that terrorism is the common enemy of both Tehran and Islamabad, adding that Pakistan is committed to boosting all-out relations with Iran.

Speaking about his talks with Iranian officials, he termed his talks fruitful and constructive.

Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official said expansion of security collaboration between Iran and Pakistan is necessary to deal with the spread of terrorism triggered by the chaotic conditions in West Asia, which threatens both countries.

“Developing mechanisms for mutual cooperation, in proportion to the threats, is an urgent need that should be high on the agenda of the two states,” said Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

He made the statements in a meeting with Nasser Khan Janjua, in Tehran on Monday.

Shamkhani said the two countries have never posed a threat to each other throughout history and should work closer to create lasting security at their shared border.

“We will not allow certain countries to hire terrorists to destabilize the Iranian-Pakistani border and undermine their relations,” he said, stressing the need for a stronger fight against drug and human trafficking.—INP