Iran's top security official said on Wednesday that all Iranian leaders have regarded Pakistan as the Islamic Republic's strategic partner, describing the bond between the two neighbours as a "true and faith-based affection."
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, told visiting Pakistani Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi that Iran viewed the government, army and people of Pakistan as "great assets of the Islamic world." He said he was pleased to see the increased engagement of Pakistan's prime minister and army chief in regional developments.
Rezaei said Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Indonesia had a duty to take steps toward Islamic unity.
He added that President Masoud Pezeshkian attached special importance to Pakistan and believed trade between the two countries should multiply several times over.
"The affection between the people of Iran and Pakistan is beyond description and is exemplary in the world," Rezaei said.
MNA