Iran, Norway confer on expanding trade ties

TEHRAN, Feb. 20 (MNA) – Iran’s deputy FM Takht-Ravanchi heading an economic-trade delegation to Oslo met with Norwegian FM Børge Brende on Wednesday, discussing various ways to expand trade cooperation. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for European and American Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi heading an economic-trade delegation held talks on bilateral, regional and international issues with Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende in Oslo under the framework of the sixth round of Iran-Norway political negotiations. During the meeting, Takht-Ravanchi referring to Iran’s nuclear deal that came into effect this January, said grounds for expanding cooperation with European countries, including Norway, are ripe and strong. The Iranian official noted the various opportunities for mutual cooperation in the fields of fisheries, oil and gas, renewable energy, environment, banking, maritime and related industries, while deeming the prospect for Iran-Norway relations positive. Mr. Brende, for his part, noted the Islamic Republic’s constructive role in the region, backing the recent developments in Norway’s relations with Iran. He also informed the Iranian official of Norwegian companies’s interest in reviving past cooperation with Tehran. On Wednesday, Takht-Ravanchi also held talks with Minister of Trade and Industry Monica Mæland, saying the two countries must take advantage of the many opportunities for investment and normal trade ties. Mæland, for her part, maintained that Norway seeks new markets and Norwegian companies have shown keen interest in participating with Iran in its various projects. She expressed hope that in the light of the new chapter in Iran-Norway relations, the two countries would further expand trade and economic cooperation, especially in the fields of industries, oil and gas, fisheries and renewable energies. At the end of the meeting, Iranian deputy FM extended the Islamic Republic’s invitation to Ms. Mæland for a visit to Tehran, which was welcomed by her. On this official visit to Norway, Takht-Ravanchi was accompanied by Mohammad Saeedi, Managing Director of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, Mohammadreza Ayatollahi, CEO of Social Security Investment Co., Saeed Sarkar, Director of Iran Nano Technology Initiative Council, and a number of representatives from Iran’s chamber of commerce, industries, mines and agriculture, as well as other economic-trade sections such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and insurance.