Pakistan for boosting ties with Iran in energy

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Sunday expressed Pakistan's strong desire for boosting bilateral relations with Iran, especially in energy and trade. "Realization of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project will open new vistas of cooperation," Gilani said while talking to Iranian Vice President, Mohammad Javad Mohammadizadeh, as the two leaders met in Boao's seaside resort city on the sidelines of Boao Forum for Asia, being held Monday. He said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Iran that are deep-rooted in the realms of history, culture and brotherhood. The PM said, "Pakistan is currently facing energy shortage". He especially mentioned that the 1000 MW electricity being supplied from Iran to Pakistan's Balochistan province, would prove helpful in overcoming the energy shortage. He called for joint Pak-Iran efforts to ensure a peaceful and prosperous region, adding that there was a need to address the issues of narcotics and drug trafficking in the region. He expressed the confidence that the opening of Pakistan's consulate in Bandar Abbas would not only facilitate the people but help boost trade through the short distance. PM Gilani also thanked the Iranian vice president for his country's timely assistance after earthquake and floods in Pakistan. He said Pakistan wants to maintain good ties with its neighbours including Iran, Afghanistan, China and India and called for joint efforts for the stability in Afghanistan. Gilani said, "Pakistan wants to enhance trade relations with Iran," and stressed for increasing it up to five billion dollars. He also said Pakistan supports peaceful use of nuclear technology by Iran. The Iranian vice president said that Iran considers Pakistan as its brotherly country with its people having `heart-to-heart' relations and called for greater people-to-people contacts for the benefit of two nations. He said Iran appreciates Pakistan's efforts to play a positive role in the region by maintaining the stance of peaceful co-existence. He also called enhancing connectivity among Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. He said Iran had completed work on its side on Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and urged Pakistan to expedite from its side.