Iran FM Says 21st Century Belongs To Asia

Tehran, May 5, IRNA – Iran's foreign minister said that Iran can play a pivotal role in trade exchanges with India, given that country's high economic growth and its need to find new markets. According to the Foreign Ministry Media Department, Ali Akbar Salehi made the remarks in the opening ceremony of the 17th Joint Economic Commission meeting of Iran and India, in the presence of Indiaˈs foreign minister here on Saturday morning. Salehi added that Iran-India ties have been very strong for centuries and now we should try to eliminate obstacles and expand our mutual ties. Salehi continued that looking toward East and developing cooperation with Asian countries are among strategic policies and principled approaches of Iranˈs foreign policy. Referring to Indiaˈs position as the most populous democracy in the world and one of emerging economies and a country with high politico-economic capacities, Salehi added that Iran considers India as one of its priorities. The foreign minister evaluated effective and constructive role of private sectors in mutual trade relations important and expressed hope that strengthening ties between Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Mine of the both countries through exchanging delegations, holding exhibitions and gathering of investment opportunities could be continued. The 17th joint Economic Commission meeting of Iran and India was held here on Saturday under chairmanship of Ali Akbar Salehi and Salman Khurshid, foreign ministers of the two countries, and wrapped up by signing four cooperation documents./end