TEHRAN A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by the Secretary of Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rouhani and the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Abdul Sattar in Islamabad Thursday.

According to the MOU, the two sides agreed to work out a consultation mechanism at the foreign ministerial level to regularly discuss bilateral, regional and international affairs. The MOU stated that the consultation mechanism would also follow up understandings reached between the two sides during high level visits.

Both sides agreed that the next meeting of the Joint Economic Commission of the two countries would be held in Tehran soon, at which they will 'undertake concrete steps for expansion of bilateral trade.'

"In order to develop defense cooperation between the two countries, the Joint Ministerial Commission for Defense, will be reactivated and the high level visits will take place," the MOU said.

Both sides also agreed that the Iranian government will facilitate the transport of Pakistan's import and export from and to Central Asia via Iran.

The MOU said that the Iranian side will take steps for the expeditious completion of the Kerman-Zahedan railway link in the interest of increasing volume of bilateral trade.

"Mutual cooperation in combating drug trafficking and terrorism will be intensified," it added.

The two sides also agreed to further strengthen activities of Pakistan-Iran Joint Border Commission, by establishing a high level committee to deal with all issues relating to border security.

They also agreed to encourage positive news coverage regarding the other side in their media by providing necessary information and guidelines.

Under the MOU, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Khatami will pay a visit to Pakistan at the invitation of the chief executive of Pakistan.

According to another report, Rouhani and Abdul Sattar said at a press conference that the visit of the Iranian delegation, headed by SNSC secretary, was successful.

Addressing the media representatives, the Pakistani foreign minister said, "We have been delighted by the opportunity provided by Dr. Rouhani's visit for holding comprehensive talks with him."

The Iranian delegation concluded its four-day visit to Pakistan and arrived in Tehran on Friday.

During his stay, Rouhani also met a group of Pakistani ulama in Iranian Embassy in Islamabad. In the meeting the SNSC secretary stressed the historical ties between the two countries and said that fortunately the border between Iran and Pakistan has been always considered as the border of friendship and brotherhood between the two.

Expressing regret over the situation in Afghanistan, he said that Iran has sent humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, to the people of Afghanistan.