Pakistan, Lebanon vow to strengthen security, intelligence cooperation

• Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar meets Mohsin Naqvi.
• Naqvi, Al-Hajjar discuss illegal immigration, money laundering.
• Pakistan, Lebanon vow to crack down on terrorists, drug mafias.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Lebanon have agreed to expand security cooperation and strengthen institutional ties, including through intelligence sharing and closer coordination between their interior ministries, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Lebanese counterpart Ahmad Al-Hajjar in Islamabad.

Al-Hajjar, who is in Pakistan on a two-day official visit, also met President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Force (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

During the meeting, discussions were held on fostering cooperation regarding security, counter-terrorism, narcotics control, curbing illegal immigration, and preventing money laundering and cybercrimes.

The talks also focused on enhancing collaboration regarding police academies and training programmes. The regional situation and Pakistan’s efforts for lasting peace in the region also came under discussion.

During the delegation-level talks, both sides decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) soon to enhance cooperation between the two interior ministries.

The two sides also decided to appoint focal persons to boost bilateral coordination. It was further decided to fully implement the existing MoU regarding counter-narcotics efforts.

Both the interior ministers reiterated their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations in diverse fields. The two sides also discussed the provision of visa-free entry for diplomatic and official passport holders.

Interior Minister Naqvi expressed hope that the visit of the Lebanese interior minister would open new avenues for cooperation between Pakistan and Lebanon.

The Lebanese interior minister thanked his Pakistani counterpart for extending excellent hospitality during his visit to Pakistan.

“Pakistan is a brotherly country, and Lebanon is desirous of advancing cooperation with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest, particularly internal security,” he added.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and other high-ranking officials.