23 February 2005	Wednesday	13 Muharram 1426

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TEHRAN, Feb 22: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said here on Tuesday that Pakistan did not have any illusion about mediating on Iran's nuclear programme but, if asked, would assist it as a brotherly country.

"We are not here to act as a mediator. Neither are we carrying any message. Iran is capable of looking after its own affairs. We want peace so does Iran and this is our common ground," Mr Aziz said while talking to journalists along with Iranian First Vice-President Dr Reza Aref at the Saadabad Palace after the official welcoming ceremony.

When asked about the possibility of signing an agreement with Iran for the proposed gas pipeline, Mr Aziz said the two sides would move forward to achieve the goal. He said Pakistan's economy was growing rapidly and its energy needs were rising. "To ensure the continued growth, we need to look for new resources of energy from many sources," he said.

He said some times back, Pakistan had proposed an energy corridor to deliver gas from Iran and other countries to India. "Initially, New Delhi had shown reservations but now the Indian cabinet has agreed to the Pakistani request," he said.

The prime minister expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of life in the Zarand earthquake. In his welcoming remarks, Dr Aref said that Pakistan and Iran shared common values.

He said Iran wanted friendly relations with its neighbours for regional peace and hoped that the visit would enhance relations between the two countries and lead to regional stability.

He said both sides would discuss regional and international development and explore new areas of cooperation. Earlier, the prime minister who is accompanied by his wife was accorded a warm welcome at the Mehrabad Airport. He was received by Iranian Roads and Transport Minister Rahmati.