Iranian FM holds talks with Muslim counterparts in Baku

A statement released by the Foreign Ministry's Information and Press Bureau said that during his talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister, Mottaki exchanged views about the agreements reached at a recent meeting of the two countries' joint economic commission.

The two sides also discussed regional developments, including the issues of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Meantime, the Iranian minister termed enhanced cooperation and contacts between Pakistan and Afghanistan a good step to help to the reinvigoration of the two states' mutual relations and consolidation of stability.

Mottaki also called for the arrangement of a trilateral meeting to be also attended by the Pakistani and Afghan Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the current OIC summit in order for the three states to be able to conduct a more in-depth study over the existing cooperation and assisting the establishment of security in Afghanistan and accelerating the trend of reconstruction in that country.

The two ministers also exchanged views about the latest agreements on the gas transfer project.

In another event, Mottaki met with the Filipino Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alberto Romulo to discuss issues of mutual interests.

During the meeting, Romulo appreciated Iran's support for the Philippines' observer status in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and said that his country attaches significance to stronger and more consolidated ties with Muslim states.

He also described the OIC as a proper ground for further cooperation and expanded relations.

The top diplomat further pointed to the establishment of peace and stability in the (Muslim dwelling) region of Mindanao and stated that his government intends to solve the existing problems on the basis of dialogues and understanding.

For his part, Mottaki expressed pleasure with the seriousness of the Filipino government in adhering to the policy of peaceful coexistence with the Muslim minority in that country.

He stated that Tehran-Manila ties enjoy a desirable background based on mutual understanding and cooperation, adding that Iran is inclined to strengthen mutual relations with that country.

Elsewhere, the Iranian Foreign Minister studied with his Afghan counterpart the latest agreements made by Presidents Ahmadinejad and Karzai in the recent Shanghai summit in the field of energy transfer and transportation.

The Afghan official further described Iran as a close friend who has always rendered support to his country very honestly.

In a separate event, the Iranian and Bahraini Foreign Ministers stressed enhanced role of the OIC in the settlement of regional crises and solution of the Muslim states' problems.

The two sides also reiterated the need for more frequent exchange of views and contacts in order for further progress of cooperation and implementation of understandings.

Also during the meeting, the Bahraini official expressed his country's enthusiasm for the promotion of relations with Tehran and viewed Iran as a strategic regional state, concluding that more grounds should be paved for the consolidation of all-out cooperation through more cordial relations and talks.

/www.farsnews.com/