NEW DELHI, Nov 17: Iranian Foreign Minister Manoucheher Mottaki said here on Friday his country wanted to join the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation as an observer.

“Saarc, like the UN in its charter, is pursuing the expansion of advancement of economic and social ties among its member states based on the principles of equal sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs as part of its principles and objectives…In this context, Islamic Republic of Iran wishes to be accepted as an observer member of Saarc,” Mr Mottaki said.

The issue is believed to have come up in the conversations Mr Mottaki had with Indian officials.

India is to host the next Saarc summit due in New Delhi on April 3 when Afghanistan is expected to be formally accepted as the group’s eighth member.