Boosting ties basis for Iran foreign policy: Rouhani

Tehran, Nov 12, IRNA – The foreign policy of the Iranian government is based on developing engagement with friendly nations, including countries in Europe, says President Hassan Rouhani. President Rouhani made the remarks during a meeting on Saturday with Laszlo Kover Hungarian Speaker of the National Assembly. Iran and Hungary should seize the opportunities created following the implementation of the nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, to develop their cooperation, Rouhani said, referring to the significant role the European Union played in the nuclear negotiations between Tehran and world powers. 'The Islamic Republic of Iran is a big country with an emerging economy,' the Iranian President said. 'Tehran and Budapest as nations with high potential could cooperate in different areas, including technical and engineering services, carrying out infrastructural projects, as well as industry and agriculture,' he said. The private sectors in both countries should identify common capabilities and try to strengthen cooperation. President Rouhani called on companies in Hungary to grasp the opportunities in the post-sanctions era and engage more with Iran. 'Iran and Hungary have a long history of friendly ties,' he said. 'We should use all the capacities to launch projects that are going to benefit both nations,' he added. The speaker of Hungary's National Assembly, on his part, said that his country was determined to establish all-out ties with the Islamic Republic. 'Budapest is willing to enhance cooperation with Iran in all areas especially in economy,' Laszlo Kover said. The two countries are not using all capacities in their current engagements, he said. 'Boosting bilateral ties sure enough is going to benefit both nations,' he said 1378/IRNA