ISLAMABAD, March 3: Pakistan and Iran Joint Economic Commission met here on Wednesday to finalize the economic and trade agreements for signature during the visit of the Iranian first vice president.

The first Vice President of Iran, Dr Muhammad Reza Aref, is beginning his three-day official visit to Pakistan from Thursday (March 4) on the invitation of prime minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali, said foreign office spokesman, Masood Khan at the foreign office press briefing.

During his visit from March 4-6, the Iranian First Vice president would be accompanied by Madam Reza, three Ministers and a number of senior officials and businessmen, the spokesman said.

The visit of the Iranian First Vice President coincides with the two day meetings of the Joint Economic Commission at the Coordinators as well as Ministerial levels which began here on Wednesday to finalise agreements to enhance trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

During the visit of the Iranian First Vice President the significant agreements to be finalized include the gas pipeline project, road and rail transportation, and preferential trade agreement.

The Prime Minister and the Iranian First Vice President would witness a ceremony for signing of a number of agreements to promote bilateral economic cooperation, the spokesman said.

The spokesman said during the talks between the Prime Minister and the Iranian First Vice President, the entire range of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations would be discussed.

The two sides would also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest in addition to discussing ways and means to further enhance economic cooperation, he said.

Giving details of the visit, the spokesman said the important engagements of the Iranian first vice president in Islamabad include official talks with the Prime Minister, joint press conference and dinner hosted in his honour by the Prime Minister.