India, Iran discuss energy cooperation civilisational ties

New Delhi, Mar 25: India and Iran today (Mar 25, 2006) stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy sector and civilisation ties and agreed on the need for an early meeting of the India-Iran Joint Commission.

Iran's Chairman of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organisation, Rahim Mashaee, who is currently in India, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discussed with him promotion of civilisational ties.

The two also stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

He was accompanied by Dr. Seyed Taha Hashemi, Deputy Chairman of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organisation and Mr S Z Yaghoubi, Iran's Ambassador to India.

Mr Mashaee is visiting India to participate in the Amir Khusro International Seminar being organised by the Jamia Millia University. He will also visit cultural sites and centers in Agra, Hyderabad and Bhubaneshwar.

''The two leaders emphasised the importance they attach to the civilisation ties between the two countries and the need for further strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, and in promoting the common cultural heritage of the two countries,'' an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.

UNI