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India, Iran sign Tehran Declaration

Sujit Chatterjee in Tehran

Embarking upon a path-breaking strategic partnership, India and Iran Tuesday night signed the Tehran Declaration for enhanced bilateral co-operation.

The declaration, signed by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Iranian President Syed Mohammad Khatami, stressed the importance of a comprehensive convention against international terrorism at the United Nations, an initiative taken by New Delhi.

After a 40-minute one-to-one meeting between Vajpayee and Khatami, followed by delegation-level talks, External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh told reporters the declaration "will guide the future ties between the two countries."

Khatami described his talks with Vajpayee as "a true turning point" in bilateral relations.

Vajpayee's discussions with Khatami and other Iranian leaders covered issues relating to internataional terrorism, UN reforms and the situation in Afghanistan.

The two sides declared their commitment for general and complete disarmament.

The two countries signed four accords including a memorandum of understanding for setting up a Joint Working Group to identify areas of co-operation in information technology.

Another MoU was signed to establish a framework for India to meet training needs of Iran in professional and technical areas.

A trade and economic co-operation agreement was signed by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Omar Abdullah and his Iranian counterpart Mohd Shariatmadar. An accord for co-operation in customs was also signed.

The prime minister, who was assisted in the talks by the external affairs minister, conveyed to the Iranian leadership New Delhi's serious concern on continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Singh said the two sides agreed on a joint feasibility study to explore the potential for co-operation in the oil sector.

India has decided to set up a consul general's office in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, he said.

PTI

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