Islamabad, IRNA – The committee of foreign affairs of Pakistan's senate has called for bolstering ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran, adding that Islamabad should not neglect Tehran's important position in the region and the world.

The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of Pakistan was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Senator Farooq H. Naek and with the presence of Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Friday.

Regarding Iran-Suadi ties, Foreign Minister Bhutto-Zardari appreciated the role of China in bringing Iran and Saudi Arabia closer, adding that improved relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia would also bring a positive effect on Pakistan.

Referring to the meetings between Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Career Pakistan Foreign Service Officer Asad Majeed Khan described the meeting as very important and reflects the strong resolve of both countries to take steps forward.

Stressing the importance of developing bilateral relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, another Pakistani Senate member Saadia Abbasi underlined that sanctions should not prevent the expansion of relations between the two neighboring countries because Iran's position as a powerful country in the region and the world is very important for Pakistan.

Earlier, President Raisi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif jointly inaugurated the 100 MW Polan-Gabd electricity transmission line which runs from Iran to Pakistan's Gwadar region on May 18.

The Iranian president said in the inauguration ceremony that in addition to energy exchanges between Iran and Pakistan, the two countries seek to expand ties in all aspects, adding that the expansion of border markets is a clear example of such a determination.

He said that 6 markets are planned to be launched on the border between Iran and Pakistan to help boost employment and trade between the two countries.

Shehbaz Sharif, for his part, said that in the history of Iran and Pakistan, the two states have enjoyed brotherly and friendly relations.

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