Albanian banking sector seeks ties with Iran

EghtesadOnline: Albanian Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati said on Sunday that Albania's banking sector is interested in interaction with the Iranian parties.

News ID: ۷۷۳۱۹۰

15 January 2017

'It is early to speak of Tehran-Tirana banking ties but the country's banking sector has voiced interest in interaction with the Iranian parties,' Bushati made the remark in an exclusive interview with IRNA.

Bushati said the fact that Albanian delegation comprises representatives from its major companies indicates that there is no concern over commercial and financial issues but establishment of banking relations will take time.

Albanian Deputy Foreign Minister visited Tehran in March 2016 and called for Iranian companies' investment in the country for joint production and exports to European markets.

The country's foreign minister described his visit to Tehran as the second one over the past months, hoping that his presence in Tehran would beef up efforts to forge close commercial ties with Iran and raise volume of bilateral trade, which symbolizes commercial cooperation of countries.

Bushati said cooperation in the fields of energy, gas in particular, agricultural products and tourism is among the areas of his country's interest, noting that Albania welcomes bilateral ties in all fields.

Asked why Albania belated establishing economic ties with Iran compared to other European states, the foreign minister said his country seeks long-term ties with Iran and measures to that effect should be taken step by step.

Albanian foreign minister arrived in Tehran at the head of a commercial and economic delegation and has so far conferred with Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif.

During the meeting, where memorandum of understanding on regular dialogues was signed by the ministers, Bushati announced that Albania has decided to open its embassy in Tehran.

Economic cooperation is among Albania's priorities to promote its ties with Iran, he said, voicing readiness for signing agreements supporting investments and avoiding double taxation.

Today, Bushati conferred with President Hassan Rouhani.