In an interview with IRNA published Wednesday, she said Iran is a very important ally and neighbor of Pakistan and bilateral ties are improving in all areas.

“It is very encouraging that Iranian foreign minister was the first foreign dignitary who came to meet the new leadership in Islamabad.

That itself shows the importance and significance Pakistan and Iran both place on their bilateral relations,” she said. “We think that the visit also signals increase in the cooperation between Iran and Pakistan and one of the big changes that have happened in recent times is the increasing military to military cooperation which was absent for a very long time,” Mazari said.

The minister added that for the first time chief of staff of Iran’s Armed Forces after the Islamic Revolution visited Pakistan.  “It is a very good sign that civil and military leaderships are both on the same page and all want to have more improved relations.”