Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Iran's First Vice President M. R. Rahimi met here and agreed to expedite Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. The two leaders, who are in the Chinese capital to attend the summit of Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, discussed ways and means to strengthen their mutual relationship for the benefit of the two nations.
Pakistan's Ambassador to China Masood Khan told APP after the meeting that the two leaders agreed to direct their concerned sides on pursuing the project of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project on priority basis. He said the two sides expressed their belief that the project's completion would strengthen relationship between Pakistan and Iran.
He said the two sides decided to complete the already initiated Pakistan-Iran-Turkey railway link and also noted the recent strengthening of air links between the two countries. Masood Khan said the Iranian vice president told Prime Minister Gilani that his government had directed the relevant ministries to focus on enhancing trade links with Pakistan.
He said the Prime Minister thanked M. R. Rahimi for Iran's financial assistance at the Friends of Democratic Pakistan forum and said it would be helpful in properly carrying out the projects. He said Gilani conveyed to Irani leader that Pakistan attaches importance to its relations with Iran that were based on brotherly and historical ties. Later, the Prime Minister held meetings with Chinese Gezhouba Group Company and with China National Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Co-operation.