Islamabad: Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Araghchi Meets Pakistan Army Chief to Discuss Regional Security, Bilateral Ties

Islamabad, May 8, 2025 — Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, held high-level talks with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, during an official visit to Islamabad on Wednesday. The meeting was part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to deepen cooperation between the two neighboring countries and address pressing regional challenges, particularly the evolving situation in Afghanistan and cross-border security dynamics.

The Iranian diplomat, who is on a multi-day visit to Pakistan, was received at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where he was welcomed by senior military officials. According to a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two sides discussed “matters of mutual interest, including regional security, border management, counter-terrorism efforts, and avenues to enhance bilateral defense collaboration.”

General Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a stable and peaceful region, emphasizing the importance of close coordination with Tehran, particularly on issues related to border security and combating transnational threats. “Pakistan values its historic and brotherly relations with Iran and remains committed to further strengthening cooperation in all domains,” said the Army Chief, as quoted in the ISPR release.

Deputy Foreign Minister Araghchi also conveyed a message of goodwill from Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi. He reiterated Iran’s interest in strengthening ties with Pakistan, especially in the areas of border trade, energy cooperation, and regional peace initiatives.

The two sides reportedly reviewed the ongoing security cooperation mechanisms, including the establishment of joint border coordination centers and enhanced information sharing to combat cross-border smuggling and militant activity. The recent flare-ups along the Pakistan-Iran border in Balochistan have underscored the urgency of such efforts.

Analysts view Araghchi’s visit as part of Tehran’s broader regional diplomacy aimed at recalibrating relationships amid shifting alliances and growing international attention on South and Central Asia. The dialogue in Islamabad is expected to be followed by additional meetings with senior officials in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior.

Both countries have historically enjoyed deep-rooted cultural and religious ties, though relations have occasionally faced strain due to border incidents and differing regional alignments. However, recent months have seen a renewed push to overcome past frictions and institutionalize mechanisms for sustained engagement.

Observers also note the importance of the meeting against the backdrop of broader regional developments, including the stalled Afghan peace process, the rise of new militant threats, and the evolving dynamics of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which both countries are strategically located along.

No formal agreements were signed during the meeting, but both sides expressed readiness to continue dialogue at multiple levels, including military-to-military and foreign ministry channels. The visit is seen as laying the groundwork for future state-level engagements, potentially including a summit between the heads of state in the coming months.