I am happy to be here in Iran. I am grateful to H.E. Mr. Mottaki for the warm welcome to me and my delegation. India and Iran are two neighboring civilizations whose ties have withstood the vagaries of time. The cultural bonds between our two countries find expression in the lives of our peoples and in the monuments and records that are our common inheritance.

His Excellency Mr. Mottaki was in India in November last year. Our discussion today on various aspects of our excellent bilateral relations were in continuation of the free and frank exchanges we had during his visit. We reviewed the progress on various agenda items of the Joint Commission and laid stress on implementation of decisions taken by the two sides. In this regard, we placed particular emphasis on early conclusion of negotiations for signing of Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement and the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.

Our bilateral trade, valued at over six billion dollars, is growing and these agreements will generate greater confidence among the private sector of the two countries, which are increasingly driving the bilateral commercial relations. We also discussed issues related to energy and transit opportunities for our companies. Iran is a very important producer of hydrocarbons and we are a major consumer. There could be mutually beneficial long-term arrangements, including our agreement on supply of LNG or the proposed Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project. We also stressed on further strengthening the cultural and people-to-people links that would continue to be the bedrock of our relations.

We also discussed the nuclear issue . We believe that the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved peacefully and through dialogue and negotiation. The IAEA should play a central role in resolving the outstanding issues. A peaceful negotiated solution would be facilitated by enhanced cooperation between Iran and the IAEA and a demonstration of restraint and flexibility by all sides.

We also discussed the regional situation. I emphasized the importance of peace and stability in this region for our energy security and the safety of Indians working here. I noted the significance we attach to Iran as a factor of stability in the region. I expressed our appreciation of the cooperation extended by Iran to our assistance projects in Afghanistan. India would also like to see a stable, peaceful, prosperous, united and democratic Iraq.

Later today, I will be calling on His Excellency President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and His Excellency Chairman of the State Expediency Council Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. I will also meet Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Dr. Ali Larijani. Good relations between India and Iran not only benefit our two countries but also impact on the entire region. Based on my productive exchanges with His Excellency Mottaki, I am satisfied with the outcome of the visit.

Thank you,

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