Islamabad, Nov 26, IRNA -- Iran and Pakistan have decided to fast track discussions on IP Gas Pipeline Project in order to formulate a road map and a more realistic time schedule for the implementation of this important project, the Foreign Office said Tuesday.
This was one of the important outcomes of a meeting between Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan Prime Ministers Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs and Dr. Muhammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Tehran today.
Mr. Sartaj Aziz is in Tehran to participate in the 21st Meeting of the Council of Ministers of ten-member Economic Cooperation Organization.
It was agreed that comprehensive technical commercial proposals on the IP Gas Pipeline would be discussed in Tehran between Inter-State Gas System Ltd of Pakistan and the Iranian nominated company – Tadbir Energy Gaspar Iranian Co. in the first week of December. This will be followed by Ministerial level discussions.
The two Ministers reviewed in detail the bilateral cooperation, regional and global issues. They expressed satisfaction over the friendly and cordial relations between Iran and Pakistan. Discussing various areas of cooperation between the two countries‚ both sides emphasized the need to put greater focus on bilateral economic relations.
It was also agreed to hold the next round of Joint Ministerial Commission in Tehran early next year.
Earlier, addressing the ECO Ministerial meeting, Mr. Sartaj Aziz reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to the aims and objectives of the Organization. Recalling the ECO’s aim at promoting sustainable economic cooperation, the Advisor remarked that it had a solid program of cooperation, a forward looking agenda and expanding horizon of activities.
He observed that ECO had made reasonable progress and needed to show more proactive approach so that the benefits directly affect the lives of the people of the Region.
Mr. Sartaj Aziz had separate bilateral meetings with Mr. Ahmet Davutoglu, Foreign Minister of Turkey and Mr. B. Taganov, Minister of Economy and Development of Turkmenistan.
