Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has congratulated his Pakistani counterpart on the 79th anniversary of the country's Independence Day. Araghchi, in a message issued on Friday, congratulated Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister, on the 79th anniversary of Pakistan's Independence Day, which is celebrated annually on August 14.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Araghchi also referred to Iran-Pakistan relations and said that continued political consultations and the strengthening of economic, trade, border, security, and cultural cooperation between the two countries would pave the way to leverage existing capacities and secure their shared interests. Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan's independence 79 years ago, while Pakistan was also the first country to recognize the Islamic Revolution and the establishment of the Islamic Republic in Iran in 1979.