ASHGABAT(National times)- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in a warm and cordial meeting, agreeing to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the International Air of Peace and Trust Summit in Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat. Both leaders acknowledged the support Pakistan and Iran extended to each other during external aggression earlier this year. PM Shehbaz Sharif referred to the successful 22nd meeting of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission, emphasizing the need to boost bilateral trade, activate border markets, strengthen border security, and restore the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul railway connectivity through closer cooperation. The statement added that the leaders discussed regional and global developments, highlighting the need to urge the Afghan Taliban administration to address Pakistan’s critical security concerns, particularly regarding terrorism emanating from Afghan territory. Both leaders also exchanged views on ongoing peace efforts in Gaza. President Pezeshkian thanked PM Sharif for the timely and constructive exchange of ideas and expressed Iran’s desire to further strengthen ties with Pakistan.