Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki Thursday to discuss energy cooperation including pipeline project.

The Indian External Affairs Ministry said in a press release that the two sides discussed the possibilities of closer cooperation in energy sector and reviewed the development of Iran-Pakistan-India natural gas pipeline.

"It was felt that the economic potential of the relationship needed to be actualized to the maximum," the press release said.

India urged to reach a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and an agreement for Avoidance of Double Taxation as early as possible.

Indian companies were keen to invest in Iran and the early conclusion of the two agreements will provide the necessary juridical basis for promoting such investment, the ministry said.

The two sides also discussed regional issues, including Iraq, Afghanistan and the Gulf.

Mottaki also extended an invitation to Singh, on behalf of Iranian President Ahmedinejad, to visit Iran.

He arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day visit to India. Besides the Prime Minister, Mottaki also met Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2006)