Minister optimistic about Iran-Britain ties

EghtesadOnline: Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian described prospects for Iran-Britain ties as positive despite changes in British government, saying that Brexit will make other countries including Iran to have a greater share in economic transactions with Britain.

News ID: ۷۶۸۱۴۸

16 July 2016

In an interview with IRNA before leaving London for Tehran, he added that memoranda of understanding signed between the two countries do not depend on this or that cabinet, rather; they are general deals reached by the two governments.

Chitchian opined that Brexit will be in the interest of the countries such as Iran because some portion of British exports and imports earlier made with EU members can be resumed involving other states.

Iran is not an exception, he said, hoping that the country will benefit from cooperation with British companies.

He further noted that British firms have expressed interest to take part in the Iranian projects.

Asked about the impacts of coming to power of Prime Minister Theresa May on bilateral ties, the Iranian minister said, 'Now is too early to respond to the question, but given the talks held before, I evaluate the grounds for the relations as positive.'

Describing his three-day working visit to London as positive, Chitchian said that he signed a memorandum of understanding with British Energy Minister Amber Rudd.

He also announced signing of a deal with UK Export Finance (UKEF) based on which Iran will have cooperation with the entity.

'We have also held negotiations with various companies including Siemens, Rolls Royce and BP to explain Iran's market to them and determine the areas of cooperation,' he said.

Chitchian who arrived in London at the head of a delegation to attract investment and hold talks to explore ways for promoting cooperation in the water and energy sectors left for Tehran late on Thursday.