Pakistan and Iran have underscored the need to promote bilateral relations in all areas including political, economic and defence cooperation.

The understanding reached during a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif in Islamabad today.

Detailed discussions were also held on regional and global issues including the situation in Afghanistan and ways to work together in the wake of re-imposition of US sanctions on Iran.

While expressing satisfaction over cooperation with regard to the Pakistan-Iran border, it was agreed to continue close consultations through the established multi-pronged mechanism between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Qureshi underlined that the Pakistan-Iran border was a border of peace and Pakistan will spare no effort to keep it this way.

He expressed his desire to strengthening existing strong bilateral relations. He said frequent high-level exchanges between the two countries manifested the warmth in bilateral relations.

The Iranian Foreign Minister reiterated that Pak-Iran relations are deep rooted in complete trust and solidarity. The detractors will not succeed in weakening our mutual resolve to further strengthening our cooperation, he said.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi emphasized that this objective can only be achieved through better communication, mutual trust and understanding.

He said Pakistan greatly values Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's strong and unswerving support for the just struggle of the people of Kashmir.

Foreign Minister Zarif thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their hospitality and warm welcome.

Javad Zarif arrived in Islamabad last night on a day long official visit to Pakistan, which is his second visit to Pakistan after the formation of the new government in Pakistan.