Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Wednesday underlined the need for concerted efforts to achieve the target of $5 billion in the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran as soon as possible. He was talking to Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Javad Zarif. The Iranian foreign minister arrived in Islamabad to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues, PM office media wing said in a press release. The prime minister expressed satisfaction at the increasing high level exchanges between the two countries to strengthen bilateral co-operation in diverse fields.

He hoped that the two sides would continue to expand economic interaction for promoting mutually beneficial co-operation in the areas of trade, investment, energy and connectivity. The issues of peace and stability in the region also came under discussion during the meeting. On the tragic incident that took place in the Iranian province of Sistan and Balochistan involving the martyrdom of 11 Iranian border security guards on April 26, the prime minister conveyed Pakistan''s condolences to the government and people of Iran.

The Iranian foreign minister thanked the prime minister and the government of Pakistan for the continued efforts for strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing interaction in all areas, including trade and economic co-operation as well as border and security issues. He also conveyed the desire of the Iranian leadership and the government for continued efforts for growth in bilateral ties.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2017