Bulgaria interested in closer co-operation with Iran in trade, energy and science, President Radev tells foreign minister Zarif
Bulgarian President Roumen Radev has told Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif that his country is interested in deepening partnerships with Iran in trade, energy and scientific co-operation.
Zarif is on a one-day visit to Sofia on February 28 and apart from his talks with head of state Radev, was due to meet Prime Minister Boiko Borissov and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva.
The deepening of the partnership with Iran in the economic and energy spheres is of interest to Bulgaria, South Eastern Europe and the European Union, and as President of the EU Council, Bulgaria will work to promote political dialogue to achieve concrete results of mutual interest, Radev told Zarif, according to a statement by the President’s office.
They agreed that the Joint Iranian Nuclear Comprehensive Action Plan arrangements and Iran’s implementation of commitments created new opportunities for developing the EU’s relations with Tehran as well as the traditionally good ties between Bulgaria and Iran, the statement said.
“We are ready for dialogue to improve transport connectivity, energy diversification and increased mutual investment, tourism and scientific exchange,” Radev said.
The development of information technology in Iran and pharmacy with the use of nanotechnology also broadens the scope of potential cooperation with Bulgaria, Zarif said.
The organisation of joint business and tourism forums to foster business contacts between the two countries and the facilitation of visa issuance were highlighted as an opportunity to boost economic and cultural exchanges, the President’s office said.
Continuation of international efforts to counteract the terrorist activity of the so-called “Islamic State” and the post-conflict reconstruction of the Middle East region were also discussed at the meeting.
Zarif noted the possibility that construction companies from Bulgaria could participate in this process, the statement said.
(Photo: president.bg)
