January 13, 2007	Saturday	Zilhaj 22, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 12: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has called for expanding economic ties between Pakistan and Iran and emphasised the need for early finalisation of Iran- Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline on feasible terms and conditions.

He was talking to Dr Kamran Bagheri Lankarani, Iranian minister for health and medical education, who called on him here Friday. The prime minister said the potential of cooperation between the two countries remained underutilised. He hoped that the setting up of Pak-Iran Investment Company and the signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement will boost the trade and economic ties between Pakistan and Iran.

The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s economic growth and said that the country’s energy needs were growing, adding that Islamabad desired to enhance cooperation with Tehran in the energy sector. Pakistan, the prime minister said, was keen to increase the import of electricity from Iran.

The government, the prime minister said, believed in development with dignity and growth with equity. He said Pakistan recognised Iran’s right to use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under IAEA’s safeguards but was opposed to nuclear proliferation.

Dr Kamran Bagheri Lankarani expressed appreciation of the Iranian government for Pakistan’s stand on various regional and international issues and said this was contributing to regional peace and safety.

The Iranian minister said that Iran was ready to help Pakistan in vaccine production, adding that Iran was also keen to finalise the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project.