TEHRAN -- Iran and Pakistan signed here Thursday an agreement on border security, and anti-drug trafficking.

The agreement was signed by Iran's Interior Minister Abdolvahed Moussavi Lari and his Pakistani counterpart Moinuddin Haidar.

Speaking after the signing, Lari said that the agreement outlines the framework of the cooperation between Iran and Pakistan, hammered out in two rounds of discussions.

Haidar referred to the upcoming trip of President Mohammad Khatami to Pakistan as an important step in bolstering bilateral ties.

He also stressed on cooperation in trade and security affairs.

Elsewhere, Iran's Deputy Interior Minister for International and Economic Affairs Ali Mohaqqar said that the Pakistani interior minister, during his visit to Tehran, had met with President Khatami, Minister of Information Ali Younesi and Police Chief Brigadier General Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

He said the meetings focused on expansion of ties, notably in security matters, combating narcotics and human trafficking, and anti-terrorism measures.

On economic matters, the two countries agreed to strengthen border markets, Mohaqqar stated, IRNA reported.

Pakistani minister left for the central city of Isfahan following the meeting.

Meanwhile, Haidar was pleased over the fact that his country and Iran had agreed to step up efforts to prevent the Al-Qaeda members from finding shelter in both states.

Speaking in a gathering of journalists in a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Abdolvahed Mousavi Lari here Wednesday he said there is a firm resolve on both parts to prevent the Al-Qaeda fighters from finding sanctuary in either Iran or Pakistan.

In the conference which was held in the premises of Iran's Interior Ministry, Haidar said Islamabad does not allow the militants of Al-Qaeda terrorist network to cross the border into Iran while acknowledging that Pakistan is not aware of the hideout of Taleban leader Mulla Mohammad Omar and whether he is alive or dead.

Lari said the two sides had held important talks on a wide range of issues such as the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and border control.

Haidar arrived in Tehran on Monday afternoon at the start of a five-day official visit.

Upon arrival at the airport, Haidar told reporters that his visit was aimed at holding talks with the Iranian authorities on various mutual and regional issues.