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Pak PM: Pakistan not seeking mediatory role in nuclear issue

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 22, IRNA -- Visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat 
Aziz said here Tuesday Pakistan does not intend to play a mediatory 
role for Iran regarding its nuclear issue. 
Talking to reporters, Aziz added Pakistan, as a friendly country 
of Iran, seeks expansion of relations and cooperation with the 
Islamic Republic. 
"Pakistan calls for Iran`s progress and development in a 
peaceful atmosphere," he said. 
Asked about Pakistan`s cooperation with Iran on nuclear program, 
the premier added Iran is a great country which enjoys enough 
capability to settle such issues by itself, stressing Pakistan will do
its utmost in this regard if necessary. 
He cited talks on bilateral, regional and international 
developments as well as a project on transfer of Iran`s gas to India 
via Pakistan as among major topics he is going to discuss with 
senior Iranian officials. 
Regional cooperation and further promotion of ties between the 
two countries would be promising for the region, Aziz said, adding 
expansion of relations would open new horizons for consolidation of 
ties in various cultural, economic and investment fields. 
He pointed to fast economic growth of Pakistan, saying such 
growth increases the country`s needs for energy. 
Pakistan needs to provide its needed energy from a secure source 
to guarantee its rapid and steady economic growth, the premier 
stressed. 
He said the pipeline project for transfer of Iran`s gas 
to India via Pakistan is among ways to meet his country`s energy 
needs and hoped the project would be put into operation in the near 
future after the Indian government approved it. 
Aziz stated that the "pipeline diplomacy" can create a very 
good atmosphere for establishment of peace in the region and noted 
that all regional states would benefit such development. 
He stressed that promotion of ties between Tehran and Islamabad 
would help regional stability and expansion of cooperation among 
Islamic and south countries. 
Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref who was present 
at the airport to greet the Pakistan premier, pointed to good and 
deep-rooted political, economic, cultural and religious ties between 
Iran and Pakistan and stressed determination of Iranian officials to 
boost relations with Islamabad. 
He expressed hope hat during the Pakistan prime minister`s stay 
in Iran, the two sides, in addition to previous agreements, would 
discuss avenues for further bolstering of relations. 
The first vice-president reiterated that during Aziz`s Tehran 
visit, regional and Islamic world developments as well as issues of 
mutual interest would be raised and discussed. 
Shaukat Aziz heading a political and economic delegation arrived 
here Tuesday. 
The Pakistan prime minister is scheduled to meet with Iranian 
President Mohammad Khatami. 
This is Aziz`s first visit to Iran since he assumed office in 
August 2004. 
The prime minister`s visit was preceded by the 15th session 
of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission. 
He is accompanied by the governor of Balochistan, ministers 
for narcotics control Ghaus Bux Khan Mehr, petroleum and natural 
resources Amanullah Khan Jadoon and religious affairs Ijaz-ul-Haq as 
well as Minister of State for Interior Dr Shahzad Waseem and the 
chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau. 
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