Media Release
FA9 - 24 January 2004
Crucial Dialogue with Pakistan and Iran
I held successful meetings with the President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, and Iran’s Foreign Minister, Kamal Kharrazi, at the World Economic Forum meetings in Switzerland today.
During my meeting with President Musharraf, I reiterated Australia’s appreciation for his government’s strong cooperation in the war on terrorism.
I welcomed recent positive developments in Pakistan’s relationship with India, including their agreement to commence dialogue and to sustain the ceasefire along the Line of Control. I encouraged General Musharraf to continue with these efforts.
Australia has followed closely political developments in Pakistan. While positive steps have been taken, I urged General Musharraf to push ahead with a reformist legislative program based on his vision of Pakistan as a modern and moderate Islamic state.
My meeting with Foreign Minister Kharrazi was marked by good discussion of Australia’s important bilateral relationship with Iran and developments in the Middle East.
During our discussion of human rights issues, I reaffirmed the value of Australia’s bilateral human rights dialogue with Iran. I encouraged Iran to take further steps to strengthen its observation of international human rights norms.
I welcomed Iran’s positive moves to address the international community’s legitimate concerns about its nuclear program. It is vital that Iran continue to follow through on its undertakings of last year and address remaining questions about its nuclear activities.
I also encouraged Iran to do more to address international concern about the presence of al-Qaeda suspects within its borders. In Australia’s view, the War on Terrorism requires firm action by all nations against the threat of terrorism.
My meetings with President Musharraf and Foreign Minister Kharrazi have reaffirmed the importance Australia attaches to its relationships with Pakistan and Iran.
Media inquiries: Chris Kenny +61 02 6277 7500 - Julie McDonald (Departmental) 02 6261 1555