Both the leaders, who are in Baku to attend the ninth session of the Economic Co-operation Organisation (ECO) Summit, in more than an hour long meeting focused on the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline project and Iran's nuclear issues.
The Iranian president said a final decision on the $7.2 billion gas pipeline would be taken within 90 days and hoped some positive outcome within the stipulated time. He also informed Shaukat about his recent talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and said a positive decision was expected within three months.
Pakistan, which had already agreed to the project in principle, is seeking early initiation and has indicated that it would go ahead with the project, even if India does not join. Shaukat said Pakistan, owing to it rapidly growing economy, is looking forward to an early completion of the project. He said the demand for natural gas was on the rise with the existing industries switching over to natural gas and addition of new cement and heavy industrial plants. Both the leaders also discussed bilateral ties, the challenges in the region and ways to further strengthen their relations in all areas.
The prime minister said both the countries were tied in strong historical and cultural bonds and there was a need to spell these into equally stronger economic relations.
On the nuclear issue, Shaukat said that it was a very important issue and Pakistan has a very clear position on the matter. There is no change in our position, he added.
Pakistan has been voicing its concern over use of any force against Iran and has urged the international community to resolve the issue through negotiations.
Pakistan also supports Iran's use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. Pakistan is, however, opposed to proliferation of nuclear weapons.