Pakistan, Lebanon agree to enhance intelligence sharing, security cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity during a meeting with Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Dar received Al-Hajjar at the Foreign Office in Islamabad and expressed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen bilateral ties, including cooperation in law enforcement and people-to-people contacts.

“The two ministers discussed Pakistan-Lebanon relations and law-enforcement cooperation and welcomed the signing of the agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons as an important milestone in bilateral legal cooperation,” the statement said.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest and expressed their desire to expand cooperation in areas of shared interest, the statement added.

“Al-Hajjar appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability and congratulated Pakistan on the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement,” it said.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present during the meeting.

Pakistan, Lebanon agree to enhance intelligence sharing, security cooperation

Earlier, Al-Hajjar met Naqvi, with both sides discussing security cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, prevention of drug trafficking, illegal immigration, money laundering and cybercrime.

The two ministers held a one-on-one meeting followed by delegation-level talks, focusing on ways to enhance cooperation in internal security and other areas of mutual interest, the ministry said.

Both sides also discussed expanding collaboration between police academies and training programmes to benefit from each other’s expertise and experience.

“The ministers exchanged views on the regional situation and Pakistan’s efforts to promote lasting peace in the region,” it added.

During the meeting, the two countries agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) soon to further strengthen cooperation between their interior ministries.

The statement said that they also decided to appoint focal persons to improve coordination and ensure effective communication between the two countries.

“The two sides agreed to fully implement the existing MoU on counter-narcotics, while the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation,” it added.

The meeting also included discussions on providing visa-free entry facilities for diplomatic and official passport holders of both countries.

“Hope your visit will open new avenues of cooperation between the two countries,” Naqvi said.

The Lebanese interior minister thanked Naqvi for Pakistan’s hospitality, describing Pakistan as a brotherly country and expressing Lebanon’s desire to enhance cooperation, particularly in internal security.

He said both countries could benefit from each other’s experiences.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, interior secretary, chairman NADRA, Director General (DG) FIA, DG Anti-Narcotics Force, Inspector General (IG) Federal Constabulary, national coordinator NACTA, DG passports and immigration, chief commissioner Islamabad, IG Islamabad police, DG National Forensic Agency, senior officials and other high-ranking officials.

A day earlier, al-Hajjar arrived in Islamabad on a two-day official visit on Naqvi’s invitation; later he visited the Pakistan Monument, as well as the Islamabad Police Lines.

The Interior Ministry had said that during al-Hajjar’s visit, “important discussions will take place on bilateral relations and promoting mutual cooperation.” It added that al-Hajjar would also “hold important meetings with the Pakistani leadership.”

Upon his arrival at the Pakistan Monument, al-Hajjar was presented with a ceremonial salute by “a smartly turned-out contingent of the Federal Constabulary,” the Interior Ministry said.