Iran's representative to the annual gathering of the International Co-operative Alliance held in Singapore last week fled the conference and hurriedly returned to Tehran after coming in contact with the Israeli delegation.

One of 80 nations attending the conference, the Israelis saw the event as an opportunity to try to create dialogue and possible economic cooperation between the Jewish state and the Islamic Republic.

During the course of the opening event, Israeli representative Rami Mendel approached the Iranian and asked for material regarding cooperation with his country. As the two men sat down to a cup of coffee, Mendel revealed his nationality to the Iranian, who after several seconds of apparent shock and dismay hastily left the hall.

Participants at the conference said the Iranian never returned, even for the closing ceremony. It was later learned that he had returned to Tehran, fearing another encounter with the Israeli delegation.