By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has said that talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Persian Gulf littoral states on expansion of mutual cooperation on free trade would start in the near future.
Mottaki made the remark on the sidelines of his meeting with economic officials at Tehran’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, he said: “In a letter sent to the Secretary General of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council Abdul Rahman al-Attiya I have proposed mutual talks between Iran and the Persian Gulf littoral states on a free trade pact.”
The proposal was made 10 days ago and it is expected that the meeting would be held in the near future, he said. “We are willing to broaden political and economic ties with the regional and neighbouring states,” he said.
“We have had good talks with the Secretary General of Arab League Amr Mousa to this end,” he said.
Tehran is determined to broaden and deepen cooperation with the Arab countries based on mutual interests, he said.