Pakistan and Iran have reiterated the resolve to further strengthen bilateral relations in all dimensions, Radio Pakistan reported on Tuesday.

This was stated by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while addressing joint news conference alongside his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran.

Addressing a joint press conference alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Iran is an important neighbor and brother of Pakistan, adding that building close relations with Iran remained the country’s top priority.

Bilawal, while speaking about his meeting with the Iranian foreign minister, said that during their meeting they took stock of the entire gamut of bilateral relations and identified ways to further strengthen the bilateral relations in trade, investment, connectivity, border management, facilitation of Zaireen, cultural and educational cooperation and enhancing people to people contacts.

The foreign minister said they had come closer to resolving one of the major obstacles in expanding trade through operationalization of party trade mechanism, formalization of cross-border exchanges through opening new border crossings and promotion of trade through cross-border markets.

Reiterating the commitment to enhance commercial and economic activities for the prosperity of the two peoples, the foreign minister said we have also committed to enhancing energy cooperation by importing additional electricity from Iran.

He said during his meeting with the Iranian foreign minister, they discussed the exchange of sentenced prisoners under the existing legal frameworks to allow them to complete their sentences in their respective countries.

Bilawal said that the latest developments in Afghanistan especially the dire humanitarian saturation there as both Pakistan and Iran are directly affected by conflict and instability in Afghanistan had also been discussed.

He said that both sides agreed that Afghan people should be supported including through access to frozen assets.

Bilawal said the world expected a move towards inclusivity and an effective counter-terrorism action from Afghan authorities.

The foreign minister said he briefed his Iranian counterpart about the serious human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He expressed gratitude to the Iranian leadership’s steadfast support for the just cause of Kashmiri people.

The foreign minister said he also discussed the rising tide of Islamophobia and the recent derogatory remarks made by officials in India that deeply offended Muslims across the world. He said we have agreed that it is time for the international community to show common resolve against Islamophobia, Xenophobia and intolerance and incitement to violence on the basis of religion or belief.

Referring to Iran’s engagement with western partners on 2015 Nuclear Deal, the foreign minister said we look forward to the Day when the Joint comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) reaches a conclusion that is right of the people of Iran and creates a more conducive environment.