TEHRAN, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Interim President Mohammad Mokhber and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated on Sunday the two countries' commitment to further improving ties, according to a statement published on the website of the Iranian president's office.

 

The two leaders made the remarks during a phone call, during which they also discussed bilateral relations as well as regional issues, including the situation in Gaza.

 

Aiming to increase their annual bilateral trade to 10 billion U.S. dollars in the near future, Iran and Pakistan should make efforts to swiftly remove the obstacles in the field of economic and trade cooperation, said Mokhber.

 

The Iranian interim president added Iran always viewed Pakistan as its "strategic companion and partner," underscoring Iran's commitment to improving their ties in all areas.

 

The Pakistani prime minister, for his part, also voiced his country's willingness to further cement and strengthen its relations with Iran, particularly in the area of trade and economy, reaffirming his government's commitment to reaching the trade target, according to the Iranian statement.