WMDs have no place in Iran`s defense policy: Khatami
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, July 12, IRNA -- President Mohammad Khatami said here Monday that weapons of mass destruction have no place in Iran`s defense policy. In a meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, Khatami stressed that Iran seeks a Middle East free from nuclear weapons. It has signed the additional protocol to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and suspended uranium enrichment activities voluntarily, he added. He expressed regret over double standard approach towards those countries possessing nuclear weapons and said, "If atomic weapons are dangerous, then the world should be concerned about atomic programs of those countries that are not members of the International Atomic Energy Agency." He hoped that the visit by the Singaporean prime minister to Iran would serve to boost relations among Asian states. Pointing to the expansion of economic relations between Iran and Singapore, the president expressed Iran`s readiness to promote commercial and economic ties based on mutual respect and interests. "The policy of establishing relations with world countries based on mutual respect leads to optimal utilization of facilities available across the globe," Khatami said, referring to bureaucratic problems facing Iranian economy, the government`s economic reform and preparation of grounds for foreign investment in Iran. He stressed the importance of stability and economic growth in the country and noted that presence of foreign investors in Iran would facilitate their presence in the Middle East and Central Asia. The two countries can make joint investments in the large markets of the region, he said. Khatami also pointed to the achievements of Iran in producing wheat, constructing dams and increasing petrochemical products and noted that the two countries` private sectors should expand ooperation in various fields of industries and economy. For his part, Goh pointed to current potentials to further consolidate political and economic cooperation and called for drawing up of a framework for more investments by tradesmen and private sector. He said his country attaches special importance to expansion of ties with Iran due to its high historical and geographical potentials and hoped his visit would lead to further bolstering of mutual relations. Pointing to Singapore`s future membership in the IAEA Board of Governors and the concern of the international community about nuclear activities of certain countries, the premier expressed appreciation for Iran`s explanations about its peaceful nuclear activities. He proposed the two countries to continue their negotiations to sign major agreements on economic cooperation. Goh cited the removal of double taxation, free trade in certain areas and attraction of foreign investment as being among important steps towards expansion of economic relations. He invited President Khatami to pay an official visit to Singapore. The two sides also discussed ways to fight terrorism and promote dialogue among civilizations. Iran`s Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi and Minister of Cooperatives Ali Soufi and the Singaporean minister of foreign affairs were also present in the meeting. Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong arrived here Sunday accompanied by a delegation for an official five-day visit that will last until Thursday. Goh will also pay his respects to the founder of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini, by visiting his mausoleum in southern Tehran. He will also travel to the historical city of Isfahan in central Iran. The visit is the last leg of the Singaporean prime minister`s South Asian tour which has already taken him to Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. It will reportedly be Goh`s final foreign trip before handing over power to his deputy, Lee Hsien Loong, later this month. The 63-year-old prime minister came to power in 1990 as Singapore`s second prime minister since the country gained independence in 1965. 2327/1412
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
