TEHRAN, Apr. 14 (MNA) – Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has called on the Islamic countries to form a united front in order to stop the Zionist regime's criminal acts against Palestinians.

Raeisi made the remarks in a phone call with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday on the eve of International Quds Day. 

International Quds Day was designated by Imam Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic. It is marked annually across the world on the last Friday of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. This year, the event falls on April 14.

Raeisi expressed deep concern over the latest developments in the occupied territories, especially the Zionist regime’s desecration of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound.  

Referring to the friendly and long-standing relations between the two countries, the Iranian president expressed hope that the mutual ties will expand further, especially in the economic and energy fields.

Raeisi said that the policy of strengthening relations with neighbors and developing relations with Islamic countries is one of the basic objectives of the Iranian government.     

Sharif, for his part, strongly condemned Israel’s crimes, saying his country will remain a permanent supporter of the Palestinian people. 

He also expressed hope that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation would take steps to establish a united front to prevent the continuation of the Israeli regime's crimes.

Sharif added that Pakistan appreciates the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran for forging regional peace and stability.

In addition, the Pakistani PM congratulated Iran on the revival of Tehran-Riyadh diplomatic relations.

Sharif also expressed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Iran in all areas of mutual interest, especially trade energy cooperation security and regional stability.

MNA/PR