IRNA� Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia-Pacific Affairs Ibrahim Rahimpour met separately with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Deputy Foreign Minister Ric Wells in Canberra on Monday.


Iran's Ambassador to Australia Abdol Hossein Vahhaji accompanied Rahimpour in both meetings.

Rahimpour told IRNA on Monday that in meeting with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and DyFM Ric Wells issues of mutual interest, including development of politico-economic cooperation, war against terrorism, academic cooperation and situation of refugees as well as regional developments were discussed.

In both meetings development of economic cooperation and removing banking obstacles to increase trade exchanges between businessmen of both countries were underlined, he added.

In a round table meeting in presence of directors of Australian Institute of ASPI, that is active in the field of defensive and security affairs, Rahimpour answered questions concerning regional issues, security and terrorism problems.

He explained Iran's stances on fight against terrorism and regional issues, like Syria.

Rahimpour said among other issues, that were discussed on the first day of negotiations with Australian senior officials, was the issue of refugees and illegal immigrants.

He rejected compulsory return of the refugees and said that return of the refugees should be voluntary and after identity recognition.

Issues related to Iranian students and academic relations were also discussed and it was due that the issues to be considered more exactly in presence of related ministers of the two countries.

In the second day of his visit, Rahimpour is to attend Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) in Sidney on Tuesday and meet with officials of Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).

From Sidney, Rahimpour is to depart for New Zealand, which is the last part of his regional tour, to consult with senior officials concerning development of bilateral cooperation.

The deputy foreign minister started his regional Asian-Pacific tour from Kazakhstan, where he attended the 15th prime ministers meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He then departed for the Philippines in order to discuss issues of mutual interests with Philippines' officials.
Australia was the third leg of his tour.