In the talks, Shamkhani said that they discussed all areas of mutual interests to further enhance co-operation in areas including trade and economy, terrorism, security and border management, adding the two countries already enjoy historic ties. He said that the two sides discussed the atmosphere in the backdrop of historic nuclear deal of Iran with world powers and also explored the avenues of close co-operation in energy sector. They also discussed Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. Shamkhani said that he also offered close co-operation in the field of military and defence.
He also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to attend a conference of Gus Exporting Countries to be held in Tehran in the near future. Referring to emerging threat of global terror network Daesh, he said Iran is ready to extend any co-operation and assistance to Pakistan to fight off Daesh and other terrorist groups.
Asked whether Iran would join the US-led global alliance against Daesh, he said that Iran will extend co-operation to everyone fighting a "genuine" war against the group, adding Iran along with its "allies" is fighting the "real" war against Daesh. To a question about Iran's stance on the issue of Kashmir, he said that Iran has a simple stance on the issue, adding the conflict should be resolved politically and according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Responding to a query about the persecution of Muslim minorities in India, he said that no one can change the religion of others through measures like imposing ban on slaughtering cows. About Palestine, he said that the Muslim Ummah should be united against the Israeli atrocities against Palestinian people. "During our discussion, we've discussed all challenges faced by the [Muslim] world," he added.
On Syria, Shamkhani said that Iran is going to participate in talks in Vienna without any precondition, adding the world powers recognised Iranian stance on the Syrian conflict to resolve the issue politically after three years of imposed war. He also lauded Pakistan's stance to stay away from the Yemen conflict. On Afghanistan, he said that Iran supports Pakistan's efforts to facilitate the Afghan reconciliation process, saying his country wants restoration of peace in Afghanistan.
Sartaj Aziz, while responding to a question about any fresh efforts for talks between Afghan government and the Taliban, said that it was up to the Afghan government to explain its position whether it wants to resume the talks or not, adding Pakistan has already hosted the first round of public talks. Aziz further said that Pakistan would also welcome Iran's contribution to the Afghan reconciliation process. He pointed out that Pakistan and Iran enjoy close friendly relations, embedded in common history, culture and faith, adding Admiral Shamkhani's visit is reflective of the keenness on both sides to further strengthen ties.
He said that he held a very cordial and in-depth exchange of views with Admiral Shamkhani on the whole range of bilateral and regional security issues, adding he also congratulated Iranian friends on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and P5+1. "We hope that the implementation of the agreement will open up new avenues of economic and trade opportunities for both countries and contribute to the promotion of peace, security and prosperity in the region and beyond," he added.
In the talks, he said that both sides noted that the security scenario in the region was evolving rapidly and there was a need for the two countries to work together through better and closer coordination on tracking and controlling existing and emerging terrorist threats in the region. "Pakistan condemns terrorism in its all forms and manifestations. It is a common enemy and threat, which needs joint and co-ordinated response. We agreed to cooperate more to tackle this menace and the related problems of smuggling and drug trafficking," he added.
He said that Pakistan and Iran already have several institutional mechanisms to enhance co-operation which include Joint Economic Commission, Joint Border Commission and Joint Commission on Road Transport. "We agreed to effectively utilise these platforms," he added. Consistent with the vision of the Prime Minster for a "peaceful neighbourhood", he said that both sides also resolved to continue working together for the promotion of peace and security in the region. "We also agreed to continue exploring new avenues of co-operation while striving to further deepen co-operation in trade and investment fields for the mutual benefit of our peoples," he added. To a question about Pakistan's stance on the Syrian conflict, the Adviser said that Pakistan wants a political solution to the conflict and end of violence in that country.