Iranian Official Asks for Further Consultations between Tehran, New Delhi

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Undersecretary Ali Baqeri, who is in India for an official visit, underlined the importance of further consultations between the two states.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran and India, due to their regional and international capacities, need to have consultation and cooperation," Baqeri said after meeting with India's National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon on Thursday.

"We consulted about issues of mutual interests and Iran's opinions about different issues and reached good conclusions," Baqeri noted.

He added that the two sides agreed to hold a meeting between Secretary of SNSC Saeed Jalili and Menon in the near future to discuss mutual issues.

Baqeri headed to India on Thursday on a two-day official visit to attend the joint strategic committee of the two countries and to hold talks with Indian officials.

In March, Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi met with India's National Security Advisor in Tehran to explore ways of expanding relations and cooperation between the two regional kingpin.

At the meeting, Salehi noted the two nations' cultural and historical commonalities, and described India as a country with a special and important position in the region and the world.

He underlined the need for more frequent visits and expanded relations between the two countries' officials and politicians.