India-Iran strategic (dialogue)

IRNA ^ | 10/16/01 | N/A

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http://www.irna.com/newshtm/eng/25083412.htm

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India-Iran strategic  /WRD/

  Iran, India hold first-ever strategic dialog
New Delhi, Oct 17, IRNA-India and Iran held the first-ever strategic
dialogue focussing on regional and international security
perspectives, including the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan.
    According to India's External Affairs Ministry press release a
copy of which is received by IRNA today, in the first ever strategic
dialog between the two countries the Indian side was led by Foreign
Secretary Chokila Iyer and the Iranian delegation was led by Mohsen
Aminzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia and Pacific.
    Both sides agreed the dialog on strategic issues had commenced
at a time when developments of far reaching consequence are taking
place in our region, the release said.
    The discussions between the two sides on Tuesday focussed on
security and defense policies, issues related to the international
disarmament agenda and common perspectives on several important issues
effecting security and stability in the region, the release added.
Iran and India share common perspective on several important issues
effecting security and stability in the region, it said.
    The meeting contributed to developing a better understanding of
each other's legitimate concerns in the region particularly the
developing situation in Afghanistan, the release said.
    The India-Iran Strategic Dialogue has been established following
the decision taken by India's Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and
President Khatami during the former's visit to Iran in April this
year. The dialog underscores the great importance that both countries
attach to bilateral relations, the release said.
    Both sides reaffirmed their intention to continue with this
dialog, it added.
HD/HM
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::irna    08:34