TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif described the long-awaited gas pipeline project that is due to supply Pakistan's dire energy needs as economically and operationally viable.

"The Iran-Pakistan pipeline is economical and operational and we have taken the relevant actions (to complete the pipeline) and we are waiting for the Pakistani side's move," Zarif said in a joint press conference with his Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad on Thursday.

Stressing different potentials for cooperation with Pakistan, specially in the economic and cultural fields, he said, "After the removal of the sanctions against Iran, the two countries' relations will further expand."

Iran and Pakistan have exchanged delegations on a regular basis in the last several decades and the two Muslim neighboring nations are keen to expedite expansion of their bilateral ties, specially in the energy sector.

In relevant remarks on Wednesday, Pakistani Foreign Ministry Advisor Nazar Abbas announced that Zarif is due to visit Islamabad to discuss progress in the construction of IP pipeline.

"The Iranian foreign minister will discuss expansion of Iran-Pakistan relations, completion of the peace pipeline and control of common borders with Pakistani officials during a visit that is paid following the recent nuclear agreement between Iran and the world powers in Vienna," Abbas told FNA.

He noted that the Iranian foreign minister will also discuss combatting terrorism and border security with Pakistani officials during his visit to Islamabad.

By Fars News Agency