TEHRAN, Jan 19: Iranian President Seyed Mohammad Khatami has emphasized the need for reducing the Pakistan-India tension and resumption of dialogue between the two countries to resolve all issues through peaceful means.

President Khatami was talking to President Gen Pervez Musharraf’s special envoy Asfandyar Wali Khan and former Foreign Secretary Najumuddin Sheikh.

The special envoy conveyed to the President of Iran a written message from President Gen Pervez Musharraf.

President Khatami, while conveying his warm regards to President Musharraf, stated that Pakistan and Iran were so close to each other that they could be considered like one nation.

He stressed that what affected Pakistan equally affected Iran.

President Khatami also called for the development of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran as well as “our cooperation in support of the UN-sponsored process for the establishment of a broad-based government and restoration of durable peace and stability in Afghanistan.”

The Iranian President further stressed that the Kashmir issue should be resolved peacefully so that the people of Kashmir had a chance to live in peace and with dignity.

The Pakistan delegation apprised the Iranian leadership of the dangerous situation prevailing on the Pakistan-India border and the need for India to take steps to defuse tensions and resume dialogue with Pakistan for the settlement of all outstanding disputes and differences particularly the Kashmir dispute.

They also met Foreign Minister Dr Kamal Kharrazi, Dr Hassan Rouhani, Secretary, Supreme National Security Council of Iran, and Mr Mohsen Mirdamadi, Chairman, Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy.

The Pakistan Ambassador, Mr Javid Hussain, accompanied the delegation members during their meetings.

Deputy Foreign Minister Aminzadeh hosted a lunch in honour of the Pakistan delegation. The Pakistan Ambassador hosted a dinner where the delegation members met a large number of senior Iranian officials and media representatives.—APP