Estrada approves increased bilateral ties with Iran

Amid the conflict between the government and Muslim separatists in Mindanao, President Estrada has approved a bilateral accord with the Islamic Republic of Iran that establishes regular contact between ranking officials of the two countries.

The Instrument of Ratification of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a copy of which was obtained by The STAR yesterday, calls for the creation of a consultative committee on political, economic and cultural cooperation between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The MOU, drafted by Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, was signed by the President last May 31.

Mr. Estrada said the MOU will strengthen the existing relations between the two countries and enhance consultations in political fields of both governments.

The President pointed out the accord was "not one of those treaties which require the concurrence of the Senate, but rather an executive agreement which can be validly entered into by the President in the exercise of his treaty-making powers."

Nonetheless, Senate President Franklin Drilon has been furnished a copy of the Instrument of Ratification.

Mr. Estrada has authorized the DFA to implement the provisions of the accord and provide arrangements for the visit of officials of the two countries.

As agreed by both parties, Philippine and Iranian foreign affairs officials at the undersecretary/deputy minister level would meet once every six months in each other's capital "to examine and evaluate the trend of bilateral cooperation and to identify ways for closer cooperation."