Islamabad, March 21, IRNA -- Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says his country greatly values its fraternal ties with Iran and considers Iran a close friend and a vital neighbor.

He was talking to Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Honardoost in Islamabad on Monday.

Nawaz Sharif said that he was looking forward to welcoming Iran President Hassan Rouhani later this week.

He said the visit would be a great opportunity for both countries to review the whole range of bilateral relations.

President Rouhani will lead a high ranking economic and political delegation to Islamabad later in the week on Friday and Saturday.

A big trade delegation including dozens of Iranian traders from private sector will accompany him to Pakistan.

By IRNA