Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has defended his government's decision to partner with Iran to build a gas pipeline.
Speaking to journalists in Lahore on March 2, Zardari said constructing the pipeline was in the national interest, as was a decision to award China a contract to operate the Gwadar Port.
Zardari's comments come after the Pakistani leader visited Tehran earlier in the week to finalize the long-awaited deal with Iran.
The United States is against the project because it wants to isolate Iran economically over fears the country might be able to develop a nuclear weapon. Tehran denies the charge.
Pakistani leaders have vowed to press ahead with the pipeline despite U.S. opposition, saying the deal is vital to supplying gas to the energy-starved country.
Speaking to journalists in Lahore on March 2, Zardari said constructing the pipeline was in the national interest, as was a decision to award China a contract to operate the Gwadar Port.
Zardari's comments come after the Pakistani leader visited Tehran earlier in the week to finalize the long-awaited deal with Iran.
The United States is against the project because it wants to isolate Iran economically over fears the country might be able to develop a nuclear weapon. Tehran denies the charge.
Pakistani leaders have vowed to press ahead with the pipeline despite U.S. opposition, saying the deal is vital to supplying gas to the energy-starved country.