IRAN
SAYS BILATERAL TIES WITH INDIA STRENGTHENED AFTER VAJPAYEE'S VISIT
The first Vice President of Iran Mohammad Reza
Aref says, political, economic, scientific and cultural ties with
India have strengthened after the Prime Minister, Shri A.B. Vajpayee’s
visit to Tehran last year. There is vast scope for furthering
the mutually beneficial cooperation, said Dr. Aref when the Minister
for Human Resource Development and Science and Technology, Dr.
Murli Manohar Joshi had a meeting with him in Tehran last night.
Echoing the sentiments expressed by Dr. Aref, Dr. Joshi said India
and Iran were part of the same family and it is important now
to forge a multi-dimensional partnership, as this will contribute
to further regional peace and progress. This was the first visit
to Iran by an Indian Minister incharge of Science and Technology,
since 1979.
Earlier, Dr. Joshi visited the Iran Research
Organisation for Science and Technology as well as the University
at Tehran. The Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr. Reza Faraji-Dana
discussed the possibilities of tie-up between Indian and Iranian
Universities with Dr. Joshi and was keen on consultancy services
in areas such as Distance Education, E-learning, Exchange of students
and faculty and Common academic projects on the historical and
cultural relations between the two countries. During a visit to
the University Library, Dr. Joshi saw some rare manuscripts relating
to historical-academic links between India and Iran. Dr. Joshi
also paid a visit to the University of Isfahan and saw some historical
and cultural places.
A joint statement issued at the end of talks
between Dr. Joshi and his Iranian counterpart Dr. Mostafa Moin
expressing firm commitment to continue and expand Bilateral Scientific
Cooperation, assumes greater significance in the light of a new
environment created after Mr. Vajpayee’s visit.
