Islamabad - Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday left for a two-day visit to Iran to discuss trade and a proposed gas pipeline between the two neighbours, an official said.

Zardari will meet Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and other senior leaders, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Abdul Basit said.

"Both sides will have in-depth exchange of views on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations with a focus on greater cooperation in communication and energy sectors," Basit said.

Pakistan is keen to secure greater access to the Iranian market for its products.

Zardari and Iranian officials plan to also discuss a proposed 7.6-billion-dollar natural gas pipeline to run from Iran through Pakistan and India.

The plan has been stalled by traffic concerns and India's reluctance to sign up, allegedly in the face of US pressure.

Zardari was also scheduled to attend the concluding session of the Economic Cooperation Organisation summit in Tehran.

Zardari left Pakistan as opposition parties and lawyers' groups prepared for countrywide protests against his government this week. (dpa)