FNA- Pakistan Minister of State for Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan stressed his country's interest in the further broadening of relations with Iran.

Afzal Khan said Iran and Pakistan are two very important neighbors, but the level of trade between the two countries is very low.

He noted that the trade between the two even does not match the trade volume permitted under sanctions.

Afzal Khan said that the major reason for the low trade volume between the two countries is the lack of banking channel, and said, �I believe that trade with neighbors is the easiest trade in the world which will also help to enhance bilateral ties.�

Iranian and Pakistani officials in a meeting in Karachi earlier this month underlined the need for broadening mutual cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting in Karachi, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoust and Governor of Southern Sindh Province Muhammad Zubair explored avenues for bolstering and reinvigorating bilateral relations in trade and economic fields.

"People of Pakistan and Iran are closely linked to each other through centuries old relationship based on common religious beliefs and cultural norms," Zubair said during the meeting.

"Karachi is the economic hub of Pakistan and restoration of peace has revived the potential it holds as a major port city in the region," he added.

Zubair invited Iranian investors to take advantage of the economic opportunities in the province that will serve both the sides.

Honardoust, for his part, said Iran will continue its support for the development of Sindh province.