Pakistan to solve issues in implementing IPP project: PM

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed its commitment to work to resolve the issues in implementation of Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline (IPP) project including the financing of pipeline infrastructure and the scope of snap back clause.

The views have been expressed by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Monday during his meeting with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Javad Zarif who called on him here at the Prime Minister Office (PMO). They discussed efforts for strengthening of bilateral relations and issues related to peace and security in the region.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to enhance mutually beneficial economic cooperation with Iran including bilateral trade, investments and commercial interaction. He added that in order to meet the bilateral trade target of $5 billion by 2021, the two sides should work together in all earnest.

The premier emphasised the need to deepen connectivity to harness benefits from regional economic integration. He expressed his commitment to work to resolve the issues in implementation of Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project including the financing of pipeline infrastructure and the scope of snap back clause.

The PM said that Pakistan was working towards realising our vision of a peaceful and inter-connected region for shared progress and prosperity. “We believe that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is vital for economic progress of the region and Pakistan and Iran as the two neighbouring countries can make important contribution for achieving this objective,” he added. He also thanked the Iranian leadership for their steadfast support to the principled struggle of Kashmiris.

The Iranian foreign minister appreciated the increasing high level interaction between the two countries. He said the mutual efforts of the two countries have resulted into enhanced economic and people-to-people interaction, which should be further strengthened. Dr Javad Zarif also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for strengthening border management to prevent illegal cross border activities.