TEHRAN, Aug 8: Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri said on Sunday Pakistan was keen to make progress on Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project.

In his arrival statement, he said the two countries share strong ties of common history and heritage, religion and culture.

"Pakistan and Iran are close neighbours, with a growing mutuality of interests," he said. "Our relations have potential to acquire further depth and substance. We have made considerable progress in recent years. My present visit is an affirmation of the continuing improvement."

The two countries, he added, signed a number of agreements to add greater substance to the bilateral relations. These include agreements for the establishment of a joint investment company, customs cooperation and avoidance of double taxation.

In addition, proposals for common border markets and border trade as well as Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline are under active consideration. "We are equally keen to make progress on Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project," he said. He said he is looking forward to holding talks with his counterpart Dr Syed Kamal Kharrazi. -APP