Iran to increase economic cooperation with Pakistan, Sri Lank

Tehran, April 12, IRNA – Iranˈs Minister of Economy and Finance Ali Tayebnia in a meeting with his Pakistani and Sri Lankan counterparts stressed the increase of economic cooperation with these two Asian states. The minister made the remarks in a meeting with Pakistanˈs Federal Minster for Finance and Economic Affairs Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Sri Lanka Minister of Finance and Planning Sarath Amunugama on the sidelines of the spring meeting of the IMF and the World Bank Group. In the meeting with Pakistani minister, he emphasized the development of relations in all fields including the border security, educational exchange programs and the speedy execution of Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project. Ishaq Dar for his part welcomed the expansion of ties between private sectors of the two countries. In antoher meeting,Tayebnia further voiced readiness to provide Sri Lanka with technology and technical services. Amunugama for his part welcomed the presence of Iranian investors and traders in his country, noting that Sri Lanka needs Tehranˈs technical support. Tayebnia, left Tehran for Washington on Tuesday to attend the spring meeting of the IMF and the World Bank Group. Each year, the annual spring and autumn meetings are held in mid-April and mid-October in Washington respectively, and every three years a member county hosts the annual summit. The 2014 Spring Meeting is slated for April 11-13.