Islamabad, Sept 24, IRNA � State media of Pakistan reported that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has extended an invitation to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to pay a visit to Tehran.


The invitation was extended during a meeting between the two leaders held on the sidelines on the 71st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

�The President extended an invitation to visit Iran to the prime minister, who accepted with pleasure, saying he has great affection for Iranian brothers,� said the report.

It quoted the Iranian President as saying that the future of Iran-Pakistan relations is bright.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has discussed with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani possibilities for bilateral cooperation in the field of energy, especially oil, gas and electricity, while noting with satisfaction the positive trajectory of bilateral ties between Pakistan and Iran, the report added.

�The two sides noted that progress on Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and electricity import from Iran would help overcome Pakistan�s energy shortages in the coming years,� said the APP report.

�The two sides noted that progress on Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and electricity import from Iran would help overcome Pakistan�s energy shortages in the coming years�, the report said.

The two leaders had last met during President Rouhani�s visit to Islamabad in March 2016.

The report further said the lifting of international sanctions against Iran has paved the way for resumption of economic relations between the two countries with a view to realizing the true potential of bilateral trade.

�In this regard, PM Sharif stressed on the need to remain engaged at expert level to remove whatever technical delays that continue to hold back resumption of full economic cooperation between the two countries,� it said.

The report quoting a press release of Pakistan�s mission at the UN said the Iranian President said that Pakistan�s security is security of Iran.
The Iranian President said that Iran can install a power plant on border with Pakistan to supply electricity. �We consider Pakistan�s economic development as our development,� the president was quoted as saying.

�There is a need for strengthening defense cooperation between Iran and Pakistan as there is a history of defense cooperation between the two countries,� the president added.

�There is also immense need for cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in the field of science and technology; we need to benefit from each other�s strong points in science and technology,� he said.

The Prime Minister said that the hearts of the people of Pakistan and Iran beat together. �Iran is a brotherly country. Our interests are same; we need to further consolidate our economic cooperation,� the prime minister said.

President Rouhani lauded the vision of the Prime Minister for translating China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into reality along with and expressed his desire to be part of the mega project.

In particular, according to the press release, the two leaders reiterated the complimentarity between Gwadar and Chabahar sea ports that could boost regional trade exponentially in the decades ahead.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that he will nominate two focal persons who will finalize energy projects with Iran in coming days.

Border management and security were also discussed, it said. The Prime Minister apprised President Rouhani of situation in Kashmir, particularly in the past two months.

PM Sharif also stressed on the need for building unity and cohesion within the Muslim world, particularly at a time of such great turmoil.

By IRNA