Major General Mohammad Baqeri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, said Iran and Pakistan are boosting their military cooperation in a variety of areas.

Baqeri made the statements in Islamabad when he came on Sunday to head a high-ranking military mission at the request of Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir.

The Iranian general told reporters that relations between both countries' armed forces "have been developing in recent years and we have reached good agreements."

He highlighted security concerns along Iran's long border with Pakistan and stated that the two countries are aiming to transform common border regions into a "border of friendship for the two nations and a place for broad economic connections."

"Iran and Pakistan are two major Muslim countries in the sensitive West and South Asia region and have extensive ties with each other," the senior Iranian general stated.

He stated that Tehran and Islamabad have the same position on numerous issues that have arisen in the area during the last year, noting that talks with Pakistani officials will center on regional developments, allowing the two neighboring countries to have a unified stance in various international forums, Baqeri stated.

Iranian and Pakistani officials will meet to discuss improving defense cooperation, particularly in border regions, fighting terrorism, and the recent events in the region and the Muslim world.

Top political, military, and security officials also want to review previously inked agreements between the two adjacent governments.

The top Iranian military brass will meet with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.