Iran welcomes enhanced ties with EU: President Rouhani

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says Iran welcomes the expansion of bilateral ties with European Union (EU) member states.

President Rouhani made the remarks during a Saturday meeting with Romania’s new Ambassador to Tehran Adrian Kozjacski, who submitted his credentials to the Iranian chief executive during the meeting.

“The Islamic Republic welcomes the expansion of cooperation in all areas with the European Union, including with the country of Romania,” he said.

There is nothing in the way of the enhancement of mutual relations with Romania, the Iranian president said, adding that the two countries enjoyed many capacities that could be used toward that purpose.

Rouhani said, given Iran’s interest in reinforcing the transportation channels leading to and from the country, especially railways, Romania can act as the Islamic Republic’s gateway to Europe via the Black Sea and can in return enjoy more expeditious access to Middle Eastern and Asian markets through Iran.

The Iranian president also said that Iran and Romania’s joint economic commission is expected to meet in the future in the Romanian capital of Bucharest.

He urged Romania to avail itself of the opportunities that have come about on the back of Iran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers by boosting cooperation with the Islamic Republic in the banking and insurance sectors.

Kozjacski, for his part, said Bucharest was determined to expand its relations with Iran in all areas of interest.