Tehran / AMN
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani today assured External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj that his country can be a reliable partner for India’s energy needs. Two countries have decided to significantly expand engagements in their overall ties, particularly in oil and gas sectors.
Mrs Swaraj, who arrived in Tehran yesterday, called on Rouhani today. Enhancing energy cooperation and development of the Chabahar port were the centerpiece of talks which was mostly dominated by economic issues. India welcomed the Iranian decision to keep the Farzad – B field outside the auction basket.
Earlier Tehran on Sunday declared that the ground was prepared for Indian investment in various projects in Iran.
During n a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif highlighted advantages of the projects underway for transport networks link of Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, as well as Iran, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan and said Iran welcomes the Indian partnership in such projects.
He said Iran expects the Indian government to make great strides to give an impetus to the linkage and transit cooperation so as to encourage trade and economic ties in the entire region.
‘We share good common grounds for cooperation in energy, trade, banking, and joint investment as well as the project for development of Chabahar.’
During recent visit of the Indian economic officials to Iran, the Iranian and Indian parties reached common grounds to implement development projects and agreements, Zarif said.
Zarif welcomed Iran-India cooperation in defense, security, handicrafts, tourism, culture; holding cultural weeks, and
establishment of the Persian language courses.
He said that Iran-India defense and security cooperation will help establish peace and security in the region. He hoped that the Indian government will expedite release of the Iranian prisoners kept in the Indian jails.
On her part Swaraj called for bilateral defense and security cooperation. He said India is willing to negotiate with Iranian government about facilitating visa issuance for owners of economic enterprises and tourists.
Pointing to successful visit of the Indian Minister of Petroleum to Iran and said the visit was fruitful to explore new capacities for joint investment in petrochemicals and Farzad B gas project implementation by the Indian party.
‘New Delhi is interested in partnership with Iran to implement new projects in line with mutual interests in a flexible manner.’
Sushma also met Iranian president Hassan Rouhani and discussed bilateral issues.
Photo courtesy: IRNA
updated at 10;22 PM