Iran oil on deferred payment sought

Pakistan is also seeking a similar concession from Saudi Arabia to overcome the grave economic crisis, however, it is still waiting for this arrangement with Riyadh to begin.

During their high-level talks on Friday, Pakistan and Iran also agreed to finalize the gas pipeline project at the earliest time to meet the energy requirements of Pakistan.

Foreign Minister Qureshi said both the countries had agreed to undertake this important gas pipeline project bilaterally for enhancing cooperation and promoting growth in the region.

He said that many of the outstanding issues related to the project had been resolved while the remaining would be addressed in the forthcoming meetings.

Mottaki said the two sides were committed to the project and would not allow any person or group to sabotage it.

Foreign Minister Qureshi also said Pakistan was committed to the IPI project and would go ahead even the third party did not join it at initial stages. He however appreciated India’s decision to join the project.

Qureshi said that they discussed steps for promoting trade and economic ties between the two countries.

He said that he would soon visit Tehran to hold further negotiations on the situation in Afghanistan.