IPI project to usher in prosperity, closer bonds: PM

ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE


ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Monday said early materialization of the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline agreement will usher in prosperity and further bring the regional countries closer. Talking to President of Iran Ahmadinejad at the PM House Gilani said Pakistan was keen to promote bilateral relations with Iran in all fields and said it would purchase more electricity from Iran to help meet its growing energy needs.
He said Iran was an important country and Pakistan values its cooperation with it for promoting peace and stability in the region.
The two leaders also discussed regional and international issues.
On the issue of terrorism and extremism, the Prime Minister said the government was pursuing a comprehensive policy to overcome the menace.
The multi-pronged strategy includes political dialogue, socio-economic development and security measures to effectively confront the problems, he said.
The Prime Minister referred to the dire need for food and energy security and said the two countries need to work together to meet these challenges.
He said Pakistan and Iran should further promote their brotherly ties as they share common faith, history, culture and heritage.
President Ahmedinejad congratulated Prime Minister Gilani on assuming his office and said Iran accords high priority to its relations with Pakistan and would like to further enhance them in all fields particularly commerce and trade.
He said the existing bilateral relations between the two countries need to be enhanced to their true potential.
The Iranian President said Iran believes that the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and Iran were inter-linked as they were like one soul in two bodies.
He said the agreement on IPI will soon be finalized and his government will welcome inclusion of China in the project. He said Iran would extend its cooperation in the field of food and energy sectors besides promotion of trade and economic ties.
President Ahmedinejad expressed his condolences over the tragic death of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
He extended invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Iran.
The Iranian delegation included Foreign Minister Monouchehr Mottaki, Commerce Minister Mir Kazemi, Vice President Esfandyar Rahim Mashai’e, Sr. Advisor to President Mojtaba Hashemi and Ambassador Mashallah Shakeri.
From Pakistan side the meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf (Minister-in-waiting) and senior officials.