'Iran, India are key partners for peace'

Iran and India have played a significant role in establishing peace in the region, a top Iranian official said Tuesday.

Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Supreme National Security Council, made the remarks during a meeting with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Tehran, state-run IRNA news agency reported.

Iran and India are two neighbours without joint borders and the two sides' political leaders are determined to broaden cooperation in line with their national interests and maintain stability in the entire region, Shamkhani said.

Referring to historical and civilisational commonalities, he welcomed investments by Indian companies in Iran's development projects such as construction of ports and rail tracks along with transit of goods between the two sides.

Implementation of economic agreements between the two countries will play a decisive role in expanding economic cooperation, which in turn will bring economic prosperity for both sides, he said.

Doval, on his part, praised Iran's brilliant role in fighting terrorism and its positive role in restoration of stability and security in West Asia and called for expansion of all-out cooperation between the two countries.

Referring to the significant roles of Iran and India in maintaining stability and security of the region, he said the two sides have always tried to broaden cooperation without leaving any negative impact on other countries.