Iran’s Zarif, Indian National Security Advisor Meet in Munich
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a meeting with Indian premier’s National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon underlined the importance of bilateral relations between Tehran and New Delhi.
Zarif and Menon discussed mutual cooperation and the latest international developments during the meeting held on Saturday on the sidelines of Munich Security Conference.
Iran’s top diplomat referred to the extensive cultural, political and historic common grounds between the two countries, and reiterated the significant role of Iran-India relations in the development of peace and regional stability.
Menon, for his part, highlighted New Delhi’s willingness to boost relations and cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially in the southeastern Iranian Chabahar Port.
India and Iran had agreed to look at developing the Chabahar Port in 2003.
Chabahar has been designated as a free trade and industrial zone by Tehran. Given India’s often hostile relations with Pakistan, India views the port as an alternative route not only to Afghanistan but also to the resource-rich landlocked countries of Central Asia.
Menon further described the two countries’ cooperation in upholding regional peace and security, especially in Afghanistan, as fruitful.
He also welcomed the upcoming visit to New Delhi by Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani.
