No proposal to include Iran in Makkah Pact for now: Khawaja Asif

NEW YORK: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that there is currently no proposal under consideration to expand the Makkah Pact or include Iran in the agreement.

Speaking to journalists in New York, Khawaja Asif said the secretariat and institutional structure of the Makkah Pact were currently being established.

He said that once the structure of the agreement was finalised, the three member governments could consider any request from another country seeking to join the pact.

The defence minister said there was currently no proposal to include Iran in the Makkah Pact, nor had any decision been made regarding its expansion.

Khawaja Asif said Pakistan would not miss any opportunity to expose India’s position at international forums, including the United Nations.

He said Pakistan would continue to present its position at every appropriate international forum.

Commenting on the possibility of an agreement between the United States and Iran, the defence minister expressed hope that talks between the two countries would succeed.

He said a possible agreement between the United States and Iran could contribute to peace in the region and could also help pave the way for greater economic stability globally.

According to Khawaja Asif, the success of US-Iran talks is important for achieving peace and economic stability in the region.