Pakistan, Iran vow to resolve Syria crisis through dialogue (Lead

The involvement of Russia in the Syrian war is a sensitive matter and Pakistan and Iran believe in resolving the Syria crisis through dialogue, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, said here on Wednesday.

Addressing a joint press conference with visiting Secretary of Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Ali Shamkhani, Aziz said that Pakistan and Iran have agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, economy and counter-terrorism, The News International reported.

The prime minister's advisor added that in view of the security scenario, the two countries have agreed to work together through closer coordination on controlling existing terrorist threats.

Shamkhani arrived here on Monday to discuss "Matters related to bilateral relations and regional security situation would be discussed during Shamkhani's meetings with Pakistani leaders," diplomatic sources told Dawn News.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council was responsible for the Gulf country's defence and security policies.

According to a source, Shamkhani's agenda for the trip includes border security, intelligence-sharing, security cooperation and exploring the prospects of bilateral cooperation after the nuclear-related sanctions are lifted.

Islamabad has been hopeful of reviving a stalled gas pipeline project connecting Iran to energy-starved Pakistan, following the signing of a historic nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.