ISLAMABAD - Iran has decided to withdraw import duty on Pakistani rice to facilitate the increase in rice imports from Pakistan. This was conveyed to Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi by his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki. The two foreign ministers met on the sidelines of international conference in support of Afghanistan in Paris. During the meeting, both leaders discussed bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. The Foreign Minister said Pakistan greatly valued its relations with Iran which are rooted in commonalities of history, geography, faith and culture. The Foreign Minister said IPI would play an important role in cementing the already close ties between Pakistan and Iran. It is, therefore, important that necessary steps should be taken amongst the concerned parties to finalise the formalities for implementation of the project at the earliest. The Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki recalled his last visit to Pakistan and thanked the Foreign Minister for hospitality extended to him in Islamabad. He reiterated Iran's commitment to IPI project. Mottaki informed Qureshi that Iran has decided to withdraw import duty on Pakistani rice to facilitate the increase in rice imports from Pakistan. Foreign Minister Qureshi thanked him for the Iranian gesture and said it would reduce the imbalance in bilateral trade and help the agricultural sector in Pakistan.