By Khawaja Hamza
ISLAMABAD, Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar visited the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad on Tuesday, where Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warmly welcomed his Lebanese counterpart.
Naqvi and Al-Hajjar held a one-on-one meeting followed by delegation-level talks, during which the two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in security, counterterrorism, narcotics control, illegal immigration, money laundering and cybercrime prevention.
The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation between their police academies and training programmes and exchanged views on the regional situation and Pakistan’s efforts to promote lasting peace in the region.
The ministers agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) soon to enhance cooperation between the two interior ministries. They also decided to appoint focal persons to improve bilateral coordination.
Pakistan and Lebanon agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing to combat terrorists and drug mafias and to respond more effectively to emerging security challenges. They also decided to ensure full implementation of the existing MoU on counter-narcotics cooperation.
The two interior ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of providing visa-free entry facilities for holders of diplomatic and official passports of the two countries.
Naqvi said he hoped the Lebanese interior minister’s visit would open new avenues for cooperation between Pakistan and Lebanon.
Al-Hajjar thanked his Pakistani counterpart for the warm hospitality extended to him during his visit to Pakistan.
“Pakistan is a brotherly country, and we want to advance cooperation in areas of common interest, particularly internal security,” the Lebanese interior minister said.
He added that Pakistan and Lebanon could benefit from each other’s experiences.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Federal Interior Secretary, Chairman NADRA, Director General FIA, Director General ANF, 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, along with other senior officials, were also present during the meeting.
