Cooperation between Iran and Pakistan has always helped promote stability and security in the Middle East.
Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani made the statement upon arrival in Islamabad on Wednesday for a two-day visit to meet top Pakistani officials, IRNA reported.
Noting Pakistan's favorable position in the Muslim world and favorable relations between the two countries, Shamkhani said broadening Pakistani ties in political, economic, defense, security and cultural fields is of high importance for Iran.
He added that Iran seeks to use all avenues to promote cooperation with the regional countries.
"In the new atmosphere, after the announcement of the nuclear deal [between Iran and the world powers], there is a huge potential for strengthening bilateral ties," he said. "The two countries can join hands to fight terrorism, one of the major problems across the Islamic world."
In his first meeting, Shamkhani held talks with Naseer Khan Janjua, national security advisor to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
The two officials exchanged views on bilateral relations, including security cooperation, latest regional developments and the fight against terrorism.
Shamkhani said Iran is ready to take steps toward collaboration in political, security, defense and economic fields.
"Fighting terrorism, improving border security, stemming the growth of extremism and protecting regional security are among priorities," he said.
Shamkhani noted that dialogue would help enhance the two countries' security and allow the use of economic opportunities to benefit the two nations.
Stressing the need to take serious measures against foreign-backed terrorist groups active near the two countries' border, he said, "Some trans-regional countries, along with their regional allies, are planning to create tensions between the two countries by destabilizing borders."
The SNSC secretary expressed condolences to the Pakistani nation and government over the recent massive quake that killed more than 300 people in Pakistan and Afghanistan, announcing that Iran's aid organizations are ready to help victims.
Shamkhani was also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan among others.
