ISLAMABAD, May 25: President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday reiterated Pakistan’s opposition to the use of force against Iran and stressed the need for a peaceful and negotiated solution to its nuclear issue.

He was talking to Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Muttaki, who called on him.

President Musharraf also supported Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear use under the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.

During the meeting, bilateral relations and regional issues of common interest were discussed.

The Iranian Foreign Minister reaffirmed Tehran’s desire to expand the economic relationship between the two countries.

On Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project, progress made in the recent joint working group’s deliberations was noted during Mr Muttaki’s meeting with the president and hope was expressed for future progress on the issue. —APP