Iran lauds EU decision to boost mutual trade ties

  
 

 

  
 

 
     
       Tehran, June 18, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi here Tuesday described the recent decision by the European Union to promote trade and economic ties with Iran as a step forward in  developing mutual ties.
     Asefi said dialogue is the essence of Iran's foreign policy, and stressed that Iran has always advocated a dialogue with the Union on the basis of mutual respect.
     He reiterated that the Islamic Republic would welcome any move to broaden Iran-EU relations 'without any preconditions' while at the same time taking into consideration the sensitivities of the two sides.
     Asefi said the conclusion of a trade and economic agreement could turn out to be an appropriate framework to institutionalize bilateral cooperation on issues of mutual interest with a view to securing common interests.
     The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said the frameworks of future bilateral cooperation has to be drawn up considering such basics as mutual respect and understanding and that has to be debated by both sides.
     EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg on Monday took a landmark decision of giving the European Commission the mandate to commence talks with the Islamic Republic for a trade and cooperation agreement.
     The EU ministers ignored the pressures and lobbying of both the US and Israel not to give the mandate for the agreement with Iran.
     It is for the first time that relationship between the Union and Iran has been put on a contractual basis and will contribute to improvements in bilateral trade, economic and political ties.
     The trade and cooperation agreement, which has been under discussion for several years, is seen by the EU as a keystone of Europe's strategy for expanding relations and cooperation with Iran.
     The EU foreign ministers reiterated their expectations that the negotiations and conclusion of the agreement will help develop exchanges and cooperation with Iran, and continue the process of political and economic reform in the Islamic Republic.
 		  
 

    

Home