President Asif Ali Zardari has called for strengthening the rail link with Iran between on priority basis to support trade and promote tourism, saying Pakistan wishes to work closely with Iran to increase the bilateral trade. 

He was talking to the Iranian Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Dr. Ali Ardashir Larijani, who called on him in Islamabad today.

The President said that improved connectivity would make it easier for businesses and travelers, especially the Zaireen, and would help deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.

On the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline, he stressed the need for a mutually workable solution, noting Pakistan's growing energy needs. He welcomed the recent technical discussions in Islamabad and said Pakistan looks forward to continuing talks in Tehran.

Asif Ali Zardari thanked the Iranian leadership for its solidarity with Pakistan after the recent floods, including the humanitarian assistance sent by the Iranian Red Crescent. He further said that cooperation between neighboring countries is essential and in the shared interest of both peoples.

He thanked Iran for its consistent support during the war with India and reiterated Pakistan's political and diplomatic backing for Iran in the wake of Israeli aggression.

He praised the resilience of the Iranian people during the recent war and commended the leadership shown by the Supreme Leader.

He also expressed appreciation for Iran's principled support for the people of Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as well as for Palestine.

The President welcomed Dr. Larijani and congratulated him on assuming charge of the Supreme National Security Council. He said that frequent exchanges between Islamabad and Tehran reflect positive momentum in bilateral ties and warmly recalled his meeting with the Iranian President in August.

In his remarks, Dr. Larijani conveyed the best wishes and regards of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, and the President, Masoud Pezeshkian, to President Zardari.

He thanked Pakistan for its diplomatic and moral support during the 12-day war earlier this year. He praised the valour and success of Pakistan armed forces in recent events and said Pakistan's victory is our victory.

He further said that following the Iranian President's visit to Pakistan, several directives had been issued to give preferential access to Pakistani products in Iran, creating a clear path toward achieving the bilateral trade target of ten billion dollars.

Matters related to the regional and international situation as well as security and counterterrorism also came under discussion.