Chief Minister of Punjab, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan and Iran enjoy strong bond of love and affection, called Iran a sincere, frank and reliable friend of Pakistan.
He expressed these views while talking to Advisor to Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Akbar Walaiti who called on Chief Minister accompanied by a 14-member delegation at Model Town here on Friday.
Shahbaz stressed that promotion of economic, trade and industrial ties between the two countries is the dire need of hour added that Iran is an important country of the region and has to play an active role in establishment of peace in the region.
The chief minister appraised the role of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif as prime minister in strengthening relations with Iran. He assumed that time has come for Pakistan and Iran to move forward together in economic, trade, industrial and agriculture sectors.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that role of Ali Akbar Walaiti, as Iranian foreign minister has been laudable in bringing the Islamic countries closer. He said the offer of Iran to provide assistance to Pakistan to overcome energy crisis is a good omen.
Talking on the occasion, Advisor to Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Akbar Walaiti admitted that relations between Pakistan and Iran were extremely strong during the rule of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif who played an important role in cementing mutual ties.
He prayed that whole Pakistan should progress as people of Punjab have progressed under Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.
 Ali Akbar Walaiti invited President Pakistan Muslim League-N, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif to visit Iran.
During the meeting, ‘Fateh’ was also offered by Ali Akbar Walaiti and members of the delegation over the demise of younger brother of Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Muhammad Abbas Sharif.
Senior Advisor Senator Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Provincial Minister for Law Rana Sana Ullah Khan, Special Assistant Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Chairman Planning & Development, Chief Executive Officer Punjab Investment Board and Iranian Consul General Muhammad Hussain Bani Asadi were also present.