ISLAMABAD: Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz called on Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran on Monday and conveyed him a message of “friendship and goodwill” from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Prime Minister Sharif is expected to pay an official visit to Iran next month.

The Iranian president said he was looking forward to his visit, which would pave the way for an enhanced cooperation. It would further cement the brotherly relationship between Iran and Pakistan, said a message received here from Pakistan's embassy in Tehran.

Sartaj Aziz, who is visiting Iran as a special envoy of the Prime Minister, was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, who is in Tehran for bilateral political consultations.

President Rouhani said Iran considered Pakistan an important neighbour and brotherly country and both the countries needed to utilise substantial potential for the benefit their peoples.

During the meeting, Aziz emphasized that Pakistan and Iran needed to work together for stability, peace and development of the region and unity of Ummah.

He expressed the hope that bilateral relations and cooperation would gain strength during the tenure of President Rouhani and the new government in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s top diplomat conveyed a message of brotherhood, harmony and cooperation from the Prime Minister to President Rouhani, underscoring the desire to strengthen relations with Iran in all areas of bilateral cooperation, particularly in political, security and trade domains.

He handed over to the Iranian President a letter of the Prime Minister.

Earlier, the Advisor met Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. The foreign secretary was also present during the meeting. They exchanged views covering the whole range of issues of bilateral interest.

Pakistan and Iran enjoy close brotherly relations, which are characterised by strong bonds of affinity, mutual respect and solidarity, and draw strength from shared historical, cultural and Islamic values, said the message.