Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary and Expatriates Affairs Hassan Qashqavi held a meeting with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Mohammed Gargash on Thursday.
Referring to the historical and good relations between the two neighboring courtiers of Iran and the UAE, Qashqavi described the ninth meeting of Iran-UAE joint consular commission as “helpful” and “effective” for expansion of bilateral relations.
He said, “Iran is keen to promote relations with the UAE in all spheres, particularly in the area of consular cooperation.”
The diplomat stressed the necessity for cooperation and consultation between the two Muslim states on regional issues.
The UAE official, for his part, referred to the recent meeting of the joint consular commission and expressed satisfaction with the agreement which was signed in the meeting and described such cooperation as significant in addressing the issues between the two states.
During the meeting which was co-chaired by Qashqavi and UAE Assistant Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Jarman, a memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation was signed. The document envisages measures to facilitate the process of issuing visas for the nationals of the two countries, the continuation of judicial cooperation to efficiently counter drug trafficking and the enhancement of collaboration between the coast guards of Iran and the UAE.
Gargash emphasized, “It is of high importance for us to make consultations with Iran on regional challenges.”
The two officials conferred on issues of mutual interest and discussed a wide range of topics, such as the current regional developments, particularly the situation in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, and the negotiations between Iran and the major powers on Tehran’s nuclear program.
Qashqavi also visited the consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dubai and talked with the consulate staff. In the ninth meeting of the joint consular commission which was held in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, Iranian and UAE officials exchanged views on various topics, including the ways to combat drug trafficking, consular affairs, judicial cooperation and border issues.
