A handout picture released by the official website of the Iranian president show Iranian President Hassan Rowhani (R) with Nawaz Sharif (L) in Tehran on May 11. PHOTO: AFP/PRESIDENCY WEBSITE

TEHRAN: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani agreed to continue with the Iran Pakistan gas pipeline project, saying that it is beneficial for the people of both countries.



During his maiden visit to Iran after assuming office in May last year, the prime minister called on the Iranian President at Saadabad palace in Tehran on Sunday.



He was accompanied by Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Governor Balochistan Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Advisor to PM on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatimi.



The premier told the Iranian president that he is there with his finance, petroleum and interior teams to resolve all the matters which are creating hindrance in the completion of the project.



Claiming that Pakistan-Iran relations are bound by historical and religious linkages, Nawaz said, “I am here to open a new page in Pak-Iran relationships.”



Our relations have a historical connection; apart from being neighbouring countries, we both are Muslim countries and have common traditions and relations based on Holy Quran, said President Rouhani.



He added that the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit would further boost the brotherly relations between the two countries.



Trade



Both leaders reiterated their commitment to enhance the bilateral trade between the two countries. There is lot of scope of increasing the trade volume and we want to enhance the trade to new levels of US $5 billion, said Nawaz.



Border security



Discussing the regional security matters, Prime Minister Sharif said that some miscreant elements are trying to sabotage the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran.



Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deal with all the rogue elements bent upon sabotaging Pak-Iran relations, the premier said, “We want security of development and development for security.”



President Rouhani said that peace in the region is our common goal and Iran would support Pakistan to develop and become secure.



Discussing the border security matters between the two countries, both leaders agreed that better border management and improved security measures would result in increased bilateral trade and strengthening relationship and cooperation between the two countries.



Invitation to Iranian President



Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif extended invitation to the President Rouhani to visit Pakistan, which Rouhani accepted.



Later the Iranian president hosted a luncheon in honour of the Prime Minister and the visiting delegation.



Earlier upon his arrival at Mehrabad International Airport, the Prime Minister was received by Minister for Economic Affairs and Finance Ali Tayyabnia.



The official welcoming ceremony was held at Saadabad Palace where a guard of honour was given to the prime minister.



Nawaz also held a meeting with the First Vice President of Iran Eshaq Jehangiri, during which matters of mutual and bilateral interest were discussed.