Iran-EU ties will benefit world, Iranian president says

TEHRAN,March 17(MNA) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said an expansion of relations between the Islamic Republic and the European Union will be beneficial for the whole world. He made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Greek Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos in Tehran on Sunday. Rouhani also described relations between Iran and Greece as “deep-rooted” and “historical”, saying, “There are vast potential to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries.” The Iranian president stated that the nuclear issue, which is a bone of contention between Iran and the West, should not distance the Islamic Republic and the EU. “I believe that the traditional and historical relations between Iran and the European Union, which can serve the interests of both sides, should be reconstructed,” he added. Elsewhere in his remarks, Rouhani touched on certain mistrust between Iran and a number of European countries, saying, “Both sides should make efforts to overcome their mistrust.” Furthermore, Rouhani said that Iran is ready to enter into talks with the EU on a range of various issues, including energy, transportation, regional security, and fight against terrorism, violence, and extremism. Turning to the nuclear agreement between Iran and the world powers, Rouhani said Tehran is committed to fulfilling the terms of the agreement. “Iran is committed to all international agreements regarding the weapons of mass destruction, and from a moral and religious view, it considers the stockpiling, manufacturing, and using of the weapons of mass destruction as haram (religiously forbidden),” he noted. Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) made an interim agreement over Tehran’s nuclear program, according to which Iran agreed not to expand its nuclear program and to suspend its 20 percent uranium enrichment in return for a limited easing of the sanctions imposed on the country. The deal took effect on January 20. The sides are negotiating to hammer out a comprehensive deal. ‘Greece is Iran’s gateway to Europe’ The Greek diplomat said that there is no obstacle in the way of enhancing ties between Tehran and Athens, adding that the two countries are ready to increase their relations in economic areas. Greece, as the rotating head of the European Union, will make efforts to strengthen relations between Iran and the EU, Venizelos added. “Greece will always remain Iran’s gateway to Europe,” the Greek foreign minister added. Elsewhere in his remarks, he underlined that Iran has the potential to help resolve many regional and international issues, including the crises in Syria, Egypt, Ukraine, and Afghanistan.