IRNA � The speaker of Majlis (the Iranian parliament) underlined practical measures for all-out expansion of ties with neighborign Pakistan.


'With all ups and downs, the relations between Iran and Pakistan have always been friendly and fraternal,' Ali Larijani said in Islambad on Sunday.

Referring to the historical and cultural commonalities of Iran and Pakistan, Larijani said, 'In the previous meetings with the Pakistani parliament speakers, the two parties showed great interest in expanding mutual ties which have increased in the past few months.'

He also urged the Iranian embassy in Islamabad to plan and pave the way for the both countries to expand ties, especially in economic and commercial areas.

Describing the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline as an economic opportunity, he said that economic ties, and good neighborliness between Iran and Pakistan make expansion of commerce a necessity.

Larijani arrived in Pakistan on Saturday evening and is scheduled to attend the conference on challenges in fighting terrorism and the role of regional cooperation which is slated to be held on Sunday.

He is also supposed to hold talks with his counterparts during the conference.

Meeting with Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan and other senior officials and holding press conference are among Larijani�s itinerary.

The conference is to be held on the initiatives of Pakistan National Assembly and with the attendance of Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Afghanistan, China and Turkey.