Tehran, March 1:

Iran has said a proposed gas pipeline from Iran to India via Pakistan could become the symbol of friendship between the two countries.

Iranian Expediency Council chairperson Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani yesterday said during a meeting with Indian ambassador in Tehran Manbir Singh that the existing cooperation between the two countries on energy was very significant, reported IRNA news agency. “The implementation of the project for transfer of gas from Iran to India via Pakistan would not only be in the interests of the three countries but also could turn into a regional project for safeguarding peace in the region.”

Expressing hopes for furthering the cooperation, ambassador Singh said, “We hope to explore new grounds for expansion of mutual relations. India is in pressing need of energy to meet its economic boom and we hope to witness swift implementation of Iran’s gas pipeline to India.” During the interaction, Rafsanjani underlined Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy. Referring to Iran’s expectations from the Non-Aligned Movement in support of its nuclear dossier, he said, “Under the current circumstances, peaceful application of nuclear technology is of prime importance for Iran and we expect our friends to fully understand the situation and never yield to illogical as well as double-standard policies of some countries.”

“We believe that Iran’s nuclear dossier would be resolved through patience, negotiations and mutual flexibility,” Singh said.