Islamabad, April 6, IRNA - Iran�s Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoost said that Iran is a time-tested friend of Pakistan and the security and stability of Pakistan is that of Iran.

In an exclusive interview with Pakistan�s Geo News TV, Honardoost said, 'Iran will never allow its soil to be used against Pakistan or any other country.'

He added that some countries and elements perhaps are not happy with the friendship between Iran and Pakistan.

'Whenever we come close, some factors try to destroy the friendship atmosphere and misuse it,' said the diplomat.

The ambassador said that after a successful visit to Pakistan of President Rouhani, some rumors leaked to media regarding a security issue.

�According to latest news and all of talking that we had between our embassy and Pakistani authorities, both sides reached an agreement, realized this fact that some factors tried to deteriorate and misuse this atmosphere, all of Pakistani brothers emphasised there are no different views about security measures between the two countries.�

The ambassador said that it is for the first time that before being discussed between security authorities of the two countries, a security issue has leaked to media. 'We have reservations over it which have been conveyed to our Pakistani brothers.'

�Both countries share a long border and security authorities on the two sides are well connected, then why this issue caught media attention,� Honardoost questioned.

Commenting on Pak- Iran gas pipeline, the ambassador said that Iran has spent $2 billion on construction of the pipeline on its part.

�We have brought gas to the thresholds of Pakistan, now we are awaiting completion of the Pakistani side of the pipeline.�

The envoy also said that Iran's second biggest bank is about to open its branches in Karachi all obstacles against Iran-Pakistan trade and economic cooperation have been removed after lifting of sanctions.

By IRNA