Parliamentary Delegation From the Islamic Republic of Iran Calls on President

A Parliamentary Delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran led by Dr. Ali Larijani, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis) called on President Pranab Mukherjee on February 27, 2013 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Welcoming the delegation, the President said India and Iran are close neighbours. Throughout history, both countries have seen an inter-mingling of people and cultures. The excellent bilateral relations between both countries have been strengthened through high level exchanges and regular engagement through various dialogue mechanisms. India and Iran have a strong bilateral economic relationship and it needs to further deepen for the benefit of peoples of both countries. We must work together to promote trade and economic links and increased people-to-people contacts between us and within the region.

The President said Iran remains an important source of crude for India. Presently, our bilateral trade is weighted in favour of Iran. Indian markets are open to Iranian exports. India hopes that Iran would source more goods from India.

The President said India and Iran have a responsibility to address the challenges to region and the world like terrorism, energy security, food security, climate change, environment and natural disasters. Peace and stability in Afghanistan is a key to the progress in the region. He said he is happy that India and Iran are engaged in regular exchange of information and views on the developments in Afghanistan. India is actively engaged in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan.

The speaker of the Iranian Majlis said Iran looks forward to a strategic and long term partnership with India. India and Iran come from same roots and their destinies are the same. A large area of cooperation is possible between the two countries.

This release issued at 1030 hrs