Speaker Terms Iran Pakistan's Strategic Partner

"Iran is Pakistan's most important friend and strategic partner," Sadiq said during the meeting on the sidelines of the first conference of Iranian, Pakistani, Afghan, Chinese, Russian and Turkish officials in Islamabad on challenges of fighting terrorism on Monday.

He also underlined the necessity for the further expansion of bilateral ties with Iran and enhancement of trade relations.

Sadiq noted that Iran and Pakistan have common enemies and goals on the international scene, and expressed regret that sometimes the two countries have been unable to use certain opportunities to further develop bilateral ties.

Iranian and Pakistani officials in a meeting in Karachi earlier this month underlined the need for broadening mutual cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting in Karachi, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoust and Governor of Southern Sindh Province Muhammad Zubair explored avenues for bolstering and reinvigorating bilateral relations in trade and economic fields.

"People of Pakistan and Iran are closely linked to each other through centuries old relationship based on common religious beliefs and cultural norms," Zubair said during the meeting.

"Karachi is the economic hub of Pakistan and restoration of peace has revived the potential it holds as a major port city in the region," he added.

Zubair invited Iranian investors to take advantage of the economic opportunities in the province that will serve both the sides.

Honardoust, for his part, said Iran will continue its support for the development of Sindh province.