Iran vows support to Pakistan

Iran’s Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar on Wednesday declared support to Pakistan as he began two-day visit to the country during which he will also tour the flood-affected areas in southern parts of Pakistan. “We will take any measure to help Pakistan restore national security,” he said on his arrival in Islamabad. Talking to media along with his Pakistani counterpart Rehman Malik, the Iranian minister said that the security of Iran is the security Pakistan. Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar leading a high level delegation was accorded warm welcome when he arrived in the Pakistani capital. “I thank my dear brother Rehman Malik for his warm welcome,” he said. Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar said, 'On behalf of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran I would like to say that Pakistan is not alone, we are two brotherly and Muslim countries.' He said Pakistan is the deep strategic depth of Islamic Republic of Iran adding that any insecurity in the region is a disadvantage to the security of all regional countries. “Previously and now we have very good negotiations, and my delegation and I will visit the flood stricken areas,” he said. The minister said the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and President Ahmadinejad had decided to allocate a 100 million dollars aid for flood stricken areas. “My delegation and I will discuss with Pakistani officials that what measures should be taken for flood hit areas.” He added that Iran has already sent eight consignments to Pakistan. “We will also talk about security cooperation in my visit which is very important,” said Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar, Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Pakistan for the interest shown by Iran in helping Pakistan in difficult times. He said special support program has been announced by Iran for Pakistani flood victims. The minister said Iran’s Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar will take the tour of flood areas and he has brought experts to help victims of the flood. He said: “Of course we will discuss bilateral issues and foremost is of course, border management.' Rehman Malik added, 'What we need is friendship and brother hood and that exists between us.' He said the leadership of Pakistan wants to work for a better cause and that cause is to the betterment of the Muslim Ummah He stated the unity of Muslim Ummah is very important. “We have to defend each other’s territorial integrity and of course Iran had always stood by Pakistan in most difficult moments whether it is flood or earthquake. Iran is there and I assure my brother that we are with you we are not only neighbors we are Muslim brothers and this brotherhood comes for centuries together and bonds of friendship will continue in the coming generations.” Last month, Pakistan has been pounded by heavy monsoon rains which have caused massive floods in the province of Sindh. The floods have brought about massive damage to Pakistan's infrastructure.