Jadoon expressed these views while speaking at the opening of Pakistan-India talks on gas pipeline projects held in Islamabad, an official statement said.

He said that the meeting would review progress for the requirement of import of natural gas to Pakistan and India from the neighboring gas rich countries such as Iran, Turkmenistan and Qatar.

"In today's competitive world, the affordable energy would guide developing countries to the path of the progress and prosperity," Jadoon said.

He noted that low cost energy was required to raise the standard of living of poor masses by providing them interruptible,environmentally friendly and an affordable fuel for their needs.

"We are considering the import of natural gas from Iran, Turkmenistan and Qatar," Jadoon said, adding that the cost of transportation would be determined not only by the distance over which the gas would be transported but also on the cost of financing of the projects.

He said both Pakistan and India should adopt a course of action which could facilitate the transportation of gas at the lowest possible cost and reiterated the government's commitment for providing requisite security measures for smooth transition of the gas pipeline to India.

In his response the Indian Oil Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, who arrived here Saturday and headed the Indian delegation, said both countries should not only work on pipeline projects but also cooperate in other areas like seminars, workshops and training of experts, the statement said.

The two ministers agreed to share information of each other's demands, available infrastructure, resources and capabilities to undertake these projects jointly.

The talks would continue on Monday, said the statement. Enditem