Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Saturday said that historic and brotherly relations existing between Pakistan and Iran need to be further strengthened in all spheres of co-operation especially trade and economy. According to an official statement released by Foreign Ministry, Sartaj Aziz expressed the remarks during a recent meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on the sidelines of the 14th Ministerial Meeting of the Asian Co-operation Dialogue in Bangkok.
Sartaj said Pakistan is looking forward to the forthcoming visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan. President Hasan Rouhani is expected to visit Islamabad later this month, leading a high level economic and political delegation. Other issues of international and regional importance were also discussed during Aziz-Zarif meeting. In view of the challenges in the region, Pakistani official underscored the need for strengthening the unity of the Islamic Ummah. Iranian Foreign Minister also noted that bilateral ties between Pakistan and Iran were expanding in all areas of mutual interest. Zarif appreciated Pakistan''s role and efforts in the fight against terrorism and its contribution to the Afghan reconciliation process.