TEHRAN-- Pakistan's Minister of Science and Technology Atta-ur-Rahman here on Monday called on President Seyed Mohammad Khatami and submitted to him a written message from Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, IRNA reported.

At the meeting, President Khatami pointed to the common goals and interests of the two countries and described the current situation in the region as 'sensitive'.

"Tehran and Islamabad should expand cooperation in an effort to establish peace and security in the region in line with the interests of their countries and nations," Khatami said. Describing the need to upgrade science and technology in Islamic states so as to attain power and independence deemed as vital, the president said, "We want to reach 'prowess' not for the sake of attacking others, rather for safeguarding and propagating peace and logic which is the essence of Islam."

He lauded the economic, political and geographical characteristics of Islamic countries and regretted the differences of opinion, poverty, backwardness and injustice among them. "Scientific cooperation and utilization of common facilities of Islamic states will further their progress," the Iranian president declared. "Iran intends to remove all these obstacles and has taken positive steps in this direction."

The Pakistan's minister referred to the message from President Musharraf, calling for taking the initiative and benefiting from the results of the OIC meeting in developing scientific and technical cooperation among Islamic states and urged further expansion of cooperation among Islamic governments, their scientists and intellectuals.

Touching upon the vast potentials and resources of the Islamic world, he stressed that Iran, as a country which aims to achieve science advancement and progress, can play an effective role in the Islamic world in this respect.

Rahman also elaborated on Pakistan's plans to expand coordination and solidarity among Muslim nations.