(IRNA) - Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Thursday night said Pakistan and Iran enjoy a deep rooted relationship based on shared faith, history and culture and the two countries need to shape these commonalities into enhanced cooperation in a broad spectrum of areas including trade, investment, energy and education.
Aziz was talking to Mashaalah Shakeri, Ambassador of Iran in Pakistan who called on him Prime Minister House Islamabad.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to activate Pak-Iran Investment Company, adding that Pakistan is keen to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries especially in promoting trade and investment.
Pakistan, he said would welcome Iranian businessmen to bid for various mega infrastructure projects in Pakistan, reports Trend.
The private sectors of the two countries need to increase their interaction to fully leverage the untapped potential of trade and investment in each others countries, he said.
The Prime Minister said as a result of the high growth achieved by Pakistan during the last few years, the energy needs of the country are increasing and the government is working to enhance country's capacity in energy by increasing its indigenous capabilities as well as by its import.
He said Pakistan wants to import gas and electricity from Iran and is keen to conclude negotiations on the IPI project.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan favours resolution of Iran's nuclear issue through dialogue.
He said Pakistan is against nuclear proliferation, adding, "We recognize Iran's right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under International Atomic Energy Agency Safeguards."
The Prime Minister thanked the Iranian Ambassador for the support provided to the earthquake affected areas by the people and government of Iran.