SHANA � Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran had fulfilled its commitments regarding a major gas pipeline project to transfer natural gas to Pakistan, expressing optimism the project could come on-stream with the efforts of Pakistani officials.

President Rouhani said the above on Saturday as Pakistan�s new Ambassador to Iran Riffat Masood presented her credentials to him to formally become Pakistan�s first female envoy to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

As an experienced diplomat and dedicated officer of the Foreign Service of Pakistan, she has served in several countries, including the UK, USA, France, Turkey, India and Norway. She also has a native command of Persian language.

While discussing Pakistan-Iran relations with Ambassador Masood, President Rouhani highlighted the cultural, religious, historical affinities and commonalities between the two brotherly countries.

Rouhani stated that Iran was looking forward to working closely with the new government in Pakistan to further strengthen bilateral relation, Mehr News Agency reported.

He hoped that Ambassador Masood, given her experience in diplomacy and inter-state relations, would contribute positively in furthering bilateral relations between the two countries.

Masood said she was confident that the close, historical ties between the governments and people of the two countries and the prevailing political would on both sides provide an impetus to bilateral relations that would also augur well for peace and stability in the region.