Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said that Pakistan’s development is Iran’s development.

Addressing a joint business forum along with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad on Saturday, he reiterated their resolve to enhance the level of bilateral cooperation in diverse fields, including trade, economy and energy.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the two countries have decided to open two new border crossing points between the two countries to encourage trade and economic activities and facilitate people to people contacts. He hoped that the additional crossing points would greatly reduce the travel time and contribute towards economic integration of the region.

Nawaz Sharif said the two countries signed several Memorandum of Understanding today in diverse fields which would further enhance our bilateral cooperation including economic and social sectors.

The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that Pakistan-Iran relations would continue to grow from strength to strength. The two sides reaffirmed their resolve for cooperation and work together for the benefit of the two people.

The Prime Minister noted that the two countries enjoy cordial and fraternal ties embedded in shared history, culture and faith. He said it was his third meeting with the Iranian President which reflected warmth and depth of relations between the two countries.

He said during one on one meeting and delegation level talks, the two sides discussed the whole range of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The Iranian President said in today’s talks, the two countries took stock of the existing state of relations and how to enhance economic interaction. He said they talks about issues relating to energy, gas and export of electricity.

He said they also discussed ways and means to increase bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran. He said there are vast opportunities to increase economic cooperation.

He said they explored the possibility of having closer relationship and better connectivity between Gwadar and Iranian port of Chahbahar.

The Iranian President said Pakistan’s security is our security and Iran’s security is Pakistan’s security. He said the two countries have to join hands for more secure and peaceful borders.