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Iran can help Europe boost economic ties with region: Rouhani

Xinhua, November 9, 2015 Adjust font size:

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Tehran can help the European Union (EU) boost its economic ties with countries in the region.

Iran's unique geopolitical situation can help Belgium and the EU expand their economic relations with countries in the region, Rouhani told visiting Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders.

"Timely use of this opportunity will be in the interests of our nations," he said, pointing out to the expanded relations with Belgium in such sectors as energy and industry.

The top Belgian diplomat arrived here on Monday along with an economic delegation.

Rouhani said Iran and Belgium have enjoyed amicable and constructive relations over the past decades, and that the Iranian public opinion considers as "positive" the development of these ties.

The recent nuclear deal between Iran and world powers has resulted in the emergence of new climate for cooperation, and Iran is prepared to pave the ground for the collaboration of the private sectors in Tehran and Brussels, he said.

Iran is bound to its commitments under the nuclear deal, provided that the other party remains committed to its obligations, he said, adding that "with no doubt the correct implementation of the nuclear deal (by both sides) can help strengthen the mutual confidence."

On Oct. 18, Iran and the world powers announced the start of implementation of the deal reached in Vienna, Austria, on July 14 over Tehran's controversial nuclear program.

The West has so far taken a pragmatic approach and launched the process of lifting sanctions imposed on Iran, which has responded positively, anticipating the lifting of some sanctions this year.

Iran expressed its readiness to expand its ties with European countries within this new zeitgeist.

As for the issue of extremism in the region, Rouhani said that "violence and terrorism are common concerns of the global community and it is a must for all the world to consider the threat of terrorism as the immediate challenge."

For his part, the Belgian foreign minister said that his country is seeking to boost ties with Iran and hopes that the removal of sanctions against Tehran will further serve Belgium's ties with the Islamic republic.

Brussels is interested in expanding cooperation with Tehran in such areas as energy, civilian use of nuclear industry, particularly in medicine, Reynders said.

Belgium seeks a political solution to the conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Libya, he added. Endit