Press Release

Visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran to India

16/11/2009

Mr. Manouchehr Mottaki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran is on a two day visit to India (November 16-17). During his visit he called on the Hon’ble Vice President and the Prime Minister. He met with External Affairs Minister and held delegation level talks covering a wide range of issues. The discussions continued over lunch hosted by the External Affairs Minister. The Iranian Foreign Minister reiterated an invitation to Prime Minister from President Ahmedinejad to visit Iran.

The two sides underlined the need for the early convening of the next session of the Joint Commission and discussed various projects including in the fields of oil and gas, power, surface transport and infrastructure projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Corridor. It was agreed that an Indian Cultural Centre would be set up in Tehran and an Indian cultural week would be held in Tehran and Shiraz in 2010. Both sides also discussed trade facilitation mechanisms and the need for an early conclusion of a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, an agreement for Avoidance of Double Taxation, as also discussions on a Preferential Trade Agreement. The two sides also took the opportunity for detailed exchange of views on important regional and international issues, including the threat of terrorism confronting the two countries.

New Delhi
November 16, 2009