Pakistan-Iran to discuss new avenues of co-op: Gilani

Islamabad, July 24, IRNA - Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed hope that Pakistan and Iran will find new avenues of cooperation in their multi-dimensional ties during the upcoming visit of Iran's Foreign Minister to Islamabad.

Manoucheher Mottaki will be in Islamabad in the first week of next month to attend the next session of Joint Ministerial Commission.

Gilani said in a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran M.B. Abbasi that both sides in the meeting will take account of whole gamut of bilateral relations, a statement from the PM office said.

He said his government would positively pursue early finalization of feasibility study for import of 1000 MW electricity from Iran to undertake this project as soon as possible.

Gilani added that he would call the meeting of all the relevant Departments on this project to assure that the project is fast tracked.

He vowed to also personally supervise expeditious implementation of projects like refurbishment of the Railway line from Quetta to Taftan and Dalbandin-Noshki road construction with Iranian government's help.

Gilani also urged the envoy to take initiatives for providing improved logistic facilities to Pakistani ‘Zaireen’ (pilgrims) visiting sacred places in Iran.

He also issued instructions that sheds be constructed for the Zaireen at the designated sites at Taftan border. Gilani also directed the envoy to redouble his efforts for creating better understanding between the two countries on issues of mutual concerns.

Gilani assured the ambassador’s full support to his any proposal towards that end, the statement said./end