Tehran, Delhi share similar views on regional issues: Iranian Majlis speaker

TEHRAN, Nov. 5 (MNA) – Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said that Iran and India share similar views on regional issues, particularly the issue of Palestine. Larijani made the remarks during a press conference held after his meeting with Indian parliament speaker, Meira Kumar, in Tehran on Wednesday. Tehran and New Delhi have shown that they are keen to promote peace and security in the region and have viable plans to step up the campaign against terrorism and drug trafficking. He added that the two countries have also supported nascent democracies, which have recently emerged in the region. Elsewhere in his remarks, Larijani called for the expansion of parliamentary ties between Iran and India. The situation of the region necessitates increased mutual cooperation, he said. The Indian official also said that Iranian and Indian nations have enjoyed a friendly and strong relationship throughout history and called for enhanced relations with the Islamic Republic. Kumar, the speaker of Lok Sabha, is also scheduled to meet and hold talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and other top Iranian officials.