Pakistan and Lebanon have agreed to intelligence sharing to effectively tackle security challenges and crack down on terrorists and drug mafias. The understanding to this effect was reached during delegation-level talks between Pakistan and Lebanon at Ministry of Interior in Islamabad today. The Pakistani side was led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi while Lebanese side was headed by Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar. 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 programs. 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 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 Memorandum of Understanding regarding counter-narcotics efforts. Both the Interior Ministers reiterated their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations in diverse fields. The two sides discussed the provision of visa-free entry for diplomatic and official passports holders. In his remarks, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed the hope that visit of the Lebanese Interior Minister would open new avenues for cooperation between Pakistan and Lebanon. In his remarks, the Lebanese Interior Minister thanked his Pakistani counterpart, Mohsin Naqvi, for extending excellent hospitality during his visit to Pakistan. He said Pakistan is a brotherly country of Lebanon and his country is desirous of advancing cooperation with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest, particularly internal security. The Lebanese Interior Minister said both the countries can benefit from each other’s experiences in different fields. Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accorded a warm welcome to his Lebanese counterpart on arrival at the Interior Ministry. Both the Interior Ministers also held a one-on-one meeting followed by delegation-level talks. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Federal Interior Secretary, Chairman NADRA, DG FIA, Director General Anti-Narcotics Force, Inspector General Federal Constabulary, National Coordinator NACTA, Director General Passports and Immigration, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Inspector General Islamabad Police, Director General National Forensic Agency, Special Secretary and Additional Secretaries of the Interior Ministry and other high-ranking officials also attended the meeting.
Pakistan, Lebanon vow to further strengthen relations
