ISLAMABAD-- A senior Iranian diplomat here Sunday welcomed Pakistan's stance on Iran's peaceful atomic program and the right to use civilian nuclear technology, IRNA reported.

"Recent statements by the spokesman of Pakistan's Foreign Office in support of Iran's civilian nuclear program is indicative of the prudence of Pakistan which has, of course, been noticed and welcomed by Iranian officials," Iran Embassy's charge d'affaires Reza Alaei told IRNA.

Last Monday, FO spokesman Masood Khan reiterated Pakistan's stand that Iran has the right to acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

Responding to questions at a weekly press briefing, he referred to statements by Pakistani officials that Iran has the right to acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and that Iran has denied that its uranium enrichment activities are part of an illegal weapons program.

Last week, IAEA board of governors gave Iran until October 31 to report its nuclear activities to the board's satisfaction.

Tehran maintains it is seeking to produce only low-grade uranium fuel to meet its energy needs.

"Islamic Republic of Iran has been and is an active member of IAEA, and the agency's inspectors have time and again visited Iran's nuclear facilities confirming their peaceful nature," the Iranian diplomat added.

Alaei further said that Iran has an interest in acquiring the nuclear know-how solely for civilian purposes and that international accords secure this right for every country in the world.

"Iranian officials have stated that it is in Iran's best interest to make peaceful use of the atomic energy," said the charge d'affaires.

"And each country recognizes its interests better than others," he observed.