Iran welcomes boosting cooperation with New Zealand

Kuala Lumpur, Nov 9, IRNA – Iran and New Zealand are to expand cooperation in fisheries and agriculture through joint investment and exchange of related technology. In a meeting in Wellington on Wednesday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia-Pacific Affairs Ebrahim Rahimpour and New Zealand Minister for Primary Industries Hon Nathan Guy discussed avenues for mutual cooperation in the field. Rahimpour arrived in Wellington late Tuesday to organize the Fifth Meeting of the Iran-New Zealand Political and Economic Cooperation Commission. While in Wellington, Rahimpour also exchanged views with several high-ranking officials of the country on issues of mutual interest. He also hailed crucial role of the Ministry for Primary Industries in agricultural and fisheries cooperation and welcomed the development of collaboration in the areas through joint investment and exchange of modern agricultural and water management technologies. Rahimpour also hoped that the deal on agricultural cooperation, signed during the country's foreign minister's visit to Tehran five months ago, will be implemented soon. New Zealand's minister, for his part, referred to long history of his country's agricultural cooperation with Iran, saying that his country welcomes enhancement of ties with Tehran. Describing meetings between the two countries' industrial experts and officials, Hon Nathan Guy hoped that the sessions on agriculture, water management and modern technologies would be held in the coming months. Butter, powder milk, wool, and fish are exported from New Zealand to Iran and the two countries cooperate in the transfer of agricultural and fisheries' technologies. The Fifth Meeting of the Iran-New Zealand Political and Economic Cooperation Commission was held in Wellington on Wednesday. 1378/IRNA