New Delhi, Aug 24: Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi today called on Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and discussed a host of issues, including bilateral relations, developments in Iraq, situation in Afghanisatan and the Middle East peace process. National security advisor Brajesh Mishra and foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal were also present at the meeting.

Leading a high-level economic delegation, Kharrazi, who arrived here this evening on a brief visit, also held wide-ranging discussions with External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha on the entire gamut of bilateral ties.
The two leaders also exchanged views on important regional issues, including the situation in South Asia.

After wrapping his Delhi visit, Kharrazi will visit Islamabad, Beijing and Tokyo.

As part of the ongoing high-level contacts, Kharrazi had accompanied Iranian President Syed Mohammed Khatami who was the chief guest at this year's Republic Day celebrations.

During the visit, both countries signed seven accords, including a landmark New Delhi declaration in which the two sides agreed that the global fight against terrorism should not be based on "double standards".

Bureau Report