Kuala Lumpur, July 26, IRNA � Senior Iranian diplomat said here on Tuesday that accession of Iran to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an important step for Tehran to enhance relations with other counties in this region.


Talking to IRNA, Iran's new Ambassador to Indonesia and accredited Ambassador to the ASEAN Valiollah Mohammadi said expansion of political, economic and international relations between Iran and the Southeast Asian countries is pivotal during the post-sanctions era.

'Accession of Iran to ASEAN would pave the way for expansion of political and economic strategic relations with the Southeast Asian countries,' he said.

The foreign ministers of ten members of ASEAN agreed on Iran's joining to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation on Monday (July 24).

The member states reached the agreement at the 49th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and related meetings in Laos from July 23-26.

ASEAN members include Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Cambodia.

The bill on joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia was presented by Iran's Foreign Ministry to the Majlis (Parliament) three years ago.

The 1976 Treaty of Amity and Cooperation is a peace treaty among Southeast Asian countries.

According to the ASEAN website, the purpose of that treaty is to promote perpetual peace, everlasting amity and cooperation among their peoples which would contribute to their strength, solidarity and closer relationship.

By IRNA