Iranian Majlis speaker discusses bilateral issues with Pakistani president

TEHRAN,Feb.14(MNA) – Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani, on the last day of his three-day visit to Pakistan, met with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Lahore on Wednesday and discussed various issues with him. Larijani visited Pakistan to attend the first conference of parliamentary assembly of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) countries in Islamabad that were held on Monday and Tuesday. In his meeting with Zardari, a number of Pakistani parliament members, Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistani Oil Minister Asim Hussain were also present. The two sides held talks on ways to expand economic, political, and parliamentary relations between the two countries. They also emphasized the need for the completion of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and power transmission line projects. Larijani hailed the initiative by Pakistani Speaker of the National Assembly Fahmida Mirza to host the parliamentary assembly of the ECO countries. President Zardari, praising Iran for its participation in the forum, said that he was “impatiently” waiting to visit Iran and meet the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution.