This paper looks at recent efforts to deepen the relationship still further, including initiatives to strengthen action on issues of shared interest and concern. Britain is playing a leading role in this work, giving strong political and practical support. Since the first meeting of the two Foreign Ministers in September 1998, Britain has initiated major programmes of cooperation with Iran over drugs interdiction and Iran's refugee problem. Other aspects of bilateral relations are developing positively, to the satisfaction of both countries. The United Nations continues its efforts to find a solution in Western Sahara that would allow the people of the territory to exercise their right of self-determination.
Progress is slow.
Current abuses include summary executions, mass deportations and systematic torture. The issue of water, with its links to sanitation, food, the environment and even conflict, is of great importance to the international community, as population growth puts further pressure on already limited reserves. This paper examines issues from the Second World Water Forum, attended by representatives from 130 countries, held in The Hague from 17-22 March 2000. A United Nations General Assembly Special Session on gender equality took place in New York in June 2000. Britain is dedicated to fighting all forms of discrimination against women, and played a major role at the Special Session.