During the meeting on Wednesday, Rouhani pointed to the importance of cooperation with Pakistan as Iran’s Muslim neighbor,  and stressed the need to develop and deepen relations between the two countries in various fields, including economic and trade relations, as well as the development and strengthening of cross-border markets.

Referring to the U.S. decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, he said that the U.S. military presence in the region had not helped maintain security and stability.

“Iran and Pakistan, as the most important and effective neighbors of Afghanistan, must play their role in managing the peace process in this country through interaction and cooperation,” the President noted, adding, “The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes cooperation with Pakistan and Afghanistan to play its role in this regard.”

Referring to the previous agreements between the two countries in order to develop cooperation, Rouhani stressed the need to implement  the agreements.

He also announced the readiness of the Islamic Republic of Iran to   meet Pakistan’s energy needs.

Qureshi, for his part, described the relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran as unique, valuable and fraternal and emphasized strengthening and consolidating these relations in all fields.

Referring to the emphasis of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on the further development of relations with Iran, he expressed hope that in the near future, bilateral relations will enter a new phase, especially in the trade and economic fields.

Appreciating Iran’s stance in support of Pakistan on regional and international issues, Qureshi declared his country’s support for the JCPOA as a major achievement of world diplomacy.

“We are very pleased that the JCPOA has been preserved through Iran’s efforts and that we are witnessing renegotiations today to revive this multilateral agreement,” the Pakistani foreign minister said.

Later yesterday, Mr. Qureshi met with Iran’s Majlis Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. During the meeting, both sides recognized the need for further strengthening bilateral ties. Foreign Minister apprised the Speaker about Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of expanding mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Iran, particularly in expanding trade and commercial activities for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries. He also highlighted the recent initiatives taken by both countries such as working to establish Border Marketplaces and opening of new border crossing points at the common border.

Being two democracies, the Foreign Minister Qureshi underlined the importance of undertaking regular exchanges of delegations between the two parliaments. He appreciated the existing collaboration between the Parliamentary Friendship Groups and noted the need to enhance coordination at international parliamentary fora such as Asian Parliamentary Assembly.

Both sides had a comprehensive exchange of views on evolving regional and International developments. The Foreign Minister apprised the Speaker about the grave human rights violations in IIOJK and appreciated the support of the Iranian leadership to the people of IIOJK.

Quereshi recalled the invitation already extended to Mr. Qalibaf by the Speaker National Assembly to visit Pakistan and expressed hope that the visit will further strengthen parliamentary cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.

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The two ministers underlined the importance of stability, security and productive cooperation in the region, particularly among Afghans under the current circumstances, IRNA reported.

Qureshi said Pakistan desires to further promote its political and economic ties with Iran. He said improving relations with all neighbors is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Zarif agreed with Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s views, saying Iran is also committed to improve its relations and bilateral cooperation with Pakistan.

The Pakistani minister is on a four-nation tour, including Afghanistan, Iran, China and Russia as part of his government’s policy of outreach in the neighborhood. Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and senior Foreign Ministry officials were accompanying Qureshi.

“I will visit these four countries… as contacting the leadership of these countries is the part of agenda for the restoration of peace in the region,” the minister said ahead of his tour.

He also said that restoration of peace in Afghanistan would bring stability in the region. “We are in favor of the restoration of peace in Afghanistan as eradication of terrorism in that country will bring peace in Pakistan as well.”

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