Formal talks between President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and President Asif Ali Zardari began here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr Thursday focusing on political and economic cooperation and ways to strengthen bilateral ties.

The two leaders had an initial round of exclusive talks, and were later joined by their respective delegations for comprehensive talks covering all areas of cooperation.

They also discussed the progress on the multi-billion natural gas pipeline project that is aimed at helping Pakistan meet its energy shortfall for its rapidly growing domestic and industrial needs.