Pakistan says it is committed to work closely with Iran for the implementation of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dr. Mohammad Faisal said in his weekly press briefing in Islamabad on Thursday that the IP gas pipeline project was also discussed during Prime Minster Imran Khan’s visit to Iran.
“Both sides stressed their commitment and agreed to work closely for the implementation of the project,” he said.
The official said that Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Iran in line with government’s approach to meaningfully strengthen its relations with all neighboring countries.
“Iran is an important Muslim neighbor having centuries old people to people, religious and cultural affinities with Pakistan,” he said.
The spokesperson added that in Tehran, the Prime Minister held in-depth one-on-one and delegation-level talks with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, and was received by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.
“The visit further strengthened the mutual understanding on important issues of bilateral, regional and international domains,” said Dr. Faisal.
He added that the two sides exchanged views on issues related to Pakistan-Iran border security; facilitation of Pakistani pilgrims and zaireen coming for pilgrimage every year in large numbers to Iran; overcoming hindrances in promotion of bilateral trade and economic activity; opening of new border crossing points, establishment of new border market; enhancing cooperation on energy, consular, health, railways sectors; and promotion of cultural collaboration, tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
The spokesperson said security issues and concerns of both Iran and Pakistan need to be resolved completely through close engagements of concerned agencies and both sides are ready to address this subject comprehensively.
He added that at the end of the visit, the two sides issued a comprehensive Joint Statement outlining the outcomes of Prime Minister’s extensive talks with the Iranian President.
