Chief of general staff (CGS) of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri called on President Asif Ali Zardari and Army Chief General Asim Munir on Monday.

According to a statement from the President House, Bagheri and Zardari discussed issues of bilateral importance.

“During the meeting, both sides highlighted the longstanding and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Iran, and emphasised the need to promote trade and economic relations for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries,” the statement added.

The statement also said that the Bagheri and Zardari called terrorism a ‘shared challenge’ and both countries need to take effective and coordinated measures to counter it.

Bagheri also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s stance on Gaza and Lebanon.

The Iranian general also called on COAS General Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations.

ISPR added that the two discussed the ‘prevailing regional security environment and bilateral defence cooperation.’

Major General Bagheri received a guard of honour upon his arrival and also laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada.

Relations between Pakistan and Iran grew tense in 2024 after an exchange of missile strikes across the border. However, both countries have made diplomatic moves to mend ties including a visit by the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in April.

During Raisi’s visit, the two sides agreed that the shared cultural heritage should lead to better relations and the Pak-Iran frontier should be a ‘border of peace and friendship’.