Zarif in New Delhi to Discuss Iran-India Relations
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is in the Indian capital of New Delhi on the last leg of his tour of regional countries to boost Iran's relations with neighboring and regional countries.
The Iranian minister is slated to meet with a number of high-ranking Indian officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival at New Delhi airport on Thursday evening, Zarif said in his talks with the Indian officials, he plans to exchange views on a range of issues, such as ways to boost mutual cooperation between the two Asian countries in political and economic areas.
He further said Tehran-New Delhi cooperation in the fight against terrorism and extremism in the Middle East region is also among top issues to be discussed in the meetings.
The Iranian minister underlined that "Iran enjoys very good relations with India as a great regional nation and a member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)," adding that the two sides also have close view on many issues.
"The visit provides good chance for the expansion of the two countries' ties after nuclear deal (between Tehran and world powers) and also for the removal of some barriers (in the way of boosting bilateral ties)," Zarif noted.
Earlier on Thursday, Zarif made an official visit to Islamabad and met with senior Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his counterpart Sartaj Aziz.
In his second regional tour after the conclusion of nuclear talks between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany), Zarif visited Lebanon, Syria and Pakistan.