Iran, Pakistan can boost ME security
SNSC Secretary:
TEHRAN - A senior Iranian official says Pakistan enjoys a key position in the region, noting that Tehran-Islamabad cooperation can contribute to promotion of stability and security in the region, particularly in the eastern part of the Middle East.
Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani told reporters upon arrival in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on Wednesday that he would discuss with Pakistani officials further enhancement of bilateral ties following the conclusion of the nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group -- officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Press TV reported.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, in the post-JCPOA era, seeks to tap into all existing potential to boost its cooperation with regional countries,” Shamkhani said.
Shamkhani said Iran attaches great significance to the expansion of ties with Islamabad in political, economic, defense, security and cultural fields given Pakistan’s status in the Islamic world.
Iran-Pakistan cooperation contributes to the restoration of regional stability and security and plays a significant role in the battle against terrorism which has turned to a main challenge for the Islamic world today, he stressed.
In a meeting with Advisor to the Pakistani Prime Minister Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad on Wednesday, Shamkhani underlined the need for collective efforts of regional countries to help uproot terrorism and extremism.
“Joint efforts to eradicate the Takfiri and violent thoughts are needed,” Shamkhani said. 
He underlined that poverty, underdevelopment and suppression of the anti-Imperialist capacities of the youth by some arrogant powers of the region has resulted in Daesh’s recruitment of mercenaries.
The top security official called on the Muslim nations to try to promote dialogue and mutual understanding among themselves, and refrain from doing actions which threaten international peace and security.
He, meantime, pointed to the status quo of Iran-Pakistan relations, and said, “Iran has no restriction to cooperate with Pakistan in political, security, defense and economic spheres.”
Shamkhani said that Iran and Pakistan share common security and defense concerns, including border security, international campaign against terrorism, extremism and violence.