India, Iran needs to further deepen bilateral, economic ties: Pranab

New Delhi, Feb 28, IRNA – India and Iran, having strong bilateral economic relationship, needed to further deepen ties for the benefit of peoples of both countries, said India’s President Pranab Mukherjee in a meeting with the visiting Speaker of the Iranian Parliament (Majli) Ali Larijani on Wednesday. Larijan is here on a five-day official visit heading a parliamentarian delegation. He called on President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday at Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace). Welcoming the delegation, the President said India and Iran were 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, said the President quoted by a statement released by the President’s office. Referring to India-Iran strong bilateral economic relationship, President Pranab urged the need to further deepen bilateral ties between the two capitals for the benefit of peoples of both countries. He also stressed the need to ˈwork together to promote trade and economic links and increased people-to-people contacts between us and within the region.ˈ President Pranab referred to Iran as an important source of crude for India. ˈPresently, 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.ˈ The President added India and Iran had a responsibility to address the challenges facing the region and the world including terrorism, energy security, food security, climate change, environment and natural disasters. ˈPeace and stability in Afghanistan is a key to the progress in the region,ˈ stressed the President. He further expressed satisfaction over India and Iranˈs regular exchange of information and views on the developments in Afghanistan. ˈIndia is actively engaged in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan,ˈ President Pranab added. Meanwhile, the speaker of the Iranian Majlis said Iran was looking forward to a strategic and long term partnership with India. ˈIndia and Iran come from same roots and their destinies are the same. A large area of cooperation is possible between the two countries,ˈ Larijani said. The Iranian Majlis speaker arrived in New Delhi from Mumbai on Tuesday. He is in India since February 24 on a five-day official visit which is taking place upon an invitation from the Lok Sabha Speaker Meera Kumar.