Europe Seeks Long-Term Economic Partnership

EghtesadOnline: Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said European countries intend to develop wide-ranging economic cooperation with Iran and increase investment in its infrastructures to secure a “long-term” and “robust” partnership.

News ID: ۷۳۹۸۲۵

14 February 2017

He said the July 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers has created immense opportunities for achieving this and the two sides should actively work to strengthen bonds of friendship.

The top diplomat made the statement in a meeting with Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani in Tehran on Monday, ISNA reported.

The nuclear pact settled a 12-year dispute between Iran and western powers, by placing time-bound restrictions on Iran’s nuclear work in exchange for the removal of international nuclear sanctions on Tehran, according to Financial Tribune.

The deal, which went into effect in January 2016, has encouraged Europeans to tap into Iran’s high-potential, lucrative market.

Shamkhani expressed satisfaction with the two countries’ will to expand collaboration, stressing that in the post-deal situation, the removal of obstacles has prepared the ground to gain benefits by investing in Iran.

The Iranian official said the success of nuclear deal depends on efforts by western parties to demonstrate their commitment to their obligations.

Since the implementation of the deal, Iranian officials have repeatedly complained that they are not enjoying all the benefits promised under the accord, mainly due to the unfriendly US behavior.

The two officials also discussed conflicts in West Asia and the global anti-terror fight.

On the same day, Asselborn met Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Speaking in the meeting, he called for a bilateral treaty to avoid double taxation.

Zarif said the Islamic Republic is intent on developing economic relations with the European Union, adding that the ground is prepared for closer banking relations between Tehran and Luxembourg City.

During Asselborn’s stay in Tehran, the two countries are slated to sign investment agreements. He was also expected to meet President Hassan Rouhani.

Asselborn had earlier visited Tehran in November 2015.