IRNA � President Hassan Rouhani said the 13th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Pakistan will hopefully help forge closer ties between member states and strengthen cooperation in the regional organization.


In a telephone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif late on Friday, President Rouhani expressed pleasure over closer ties between Tehran and Islamabad, saying that Iran welcomes expansion of cooperation with Pakistan.

Noting that the Islamic Revolution created a unique opportunity for deepening ties with neighboring and Muslim states, Rouhani said that Iran and Pakistan boast extensive facilities to boost economic, political and cultural cooperation, which should be used in line with both nations� interests.

During the telephone conversation, Nawaz Sharif congratulated the Iranian government and people on the victory anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, saying that further development of relations with Iran is a top priority of Pakistan�s foreign policy.

Describing Iran as a friendly and brotherly country to Pakistan, he said, �We are trying to further strengthen bilateral ties.�

He also invited President Rouhani to attend the 13th ECO Summit, saying that Iran�s presence in the meeting is very significant for promoting the status of ECO.