0
ISLAMABAD, Sept 7: Dr Ali Larijani, Secretary of Supreme National Security Council of Iran and the country’s chief nuclear negotiator met the top Pakistani leadership here on Wednesday and held wide-ranging talks that focused on Tehran’s nuclear programme.
During his less than 15-hour stay in the capital, Mr Larijani held one-to-one meetings with President Gen Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri. He briefed them on Iran’s discussions with the IAEA and EU-3 on the issue. He also shared with them the policies and priorities of the new Iranian government.
Apprising the Pakistani leaders of the latest developments, Dr Larijani informed them that the Iranian President would soon unveil a ‘new initiative’ to resolve this issue. He also conveyed to them his government’s appreciation of Pakistan’s positive role at the IAEA to help resolve the controversy over Iran’s nuclear programme. Both sides agreed on the need to resolve the nuclear issue amicably through dialogue.
President Musharraf told Dr Larijani that Pakistan being a friend and immediate neighbour of Iran, wished an early and peaceful solution of the nuclear issue. He also underlined the need to observe international legality and resolve issues peacefully.
Dr Larijani conveyed to the President that Iran was still ready to cooperate with the IAEA within the framework of the Agency’s regulations. He said Iran had seriously pursued its dialogue to reach an amicable settlement. However, he made it clear that Iran would not give up its legitimate right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purpose.
He appreciated Pakistan’s support to Iran and reiterated that Iran sought to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. On the bilateral front both said they valued their relations and expressed the desire to further strengthen ties and intensify cooperation in various areas of mutual interest. They agreed to fully utilise the potential for increased trade, closer people-to-people contacts and cultural and media cooperation.
MEETING WITH PM: Earlier, Dr Larijani held a 75-minute meeting with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz that covered all aspects of bilateral relations, regional and international issues.
Welcoming Iran’s interest, the prime minister highlighted the significance of Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, terming it as a “win-win” for all three countries. The prime minister told the Iranian official that in the wake of Pakistan’s fast growing energy requirements it needed more than one pipeline. He said Pakistan was currently working on four options: overland gas pipeline from Iran and Turkmenistan; under sea line from Qatar and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Dr Larijani appreciated Pakistan’s resolve in this regard.
The prime minister said Pakistan would welcome Iranian firms to participate in infrastructure projects in Pakistan.
On the nuclear issue, the prime minister maintained that Pakistan was opposed to nuclear proliferation but recognised the right of countries for peaceful uses of nuclear technology under IAEA safeguards. Pakistan was against the use of force and favoured dialogue to resolve this issue, he added.
The prime minister stated that Pakistan respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all neighbouring states and emphasised the need to deal with the problem of terrorism. In this context he advocated cooperation among Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan to ensure peace, security and reconstruction in Afghanistan. He also called for greater cooperation among ECO countries to make it an effective organisation and underlined the role Iran and Pakistan could play towards this end.
The prime minister also appreciated Iran’s consistent support for the Kashmiri cause.
MEETING WITH FM: In the afternoon Dr Larijani had a detailed meeting with Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri. During the talks they reviewed bilateral relations and matters of regional and international interest.
Dr Larijani and his delegation left Islamabad in the evening.
