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Latvian president calls for closer business ties during Iranian FM's visit

Xinhua, June 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

The first ever visit by an Iranian foreign minister to Latvia marks an intensification of political dialogue between the two countries, Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis said as he met Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday.

During the meeting, Vejonis called for stepping up Latvian-Iranian business contacts, especially given that the international sanctions against Iran are being phased out.

"The large Iranian business delegation representing various sectors, as well as Latvian entrepreneurs' significant interest in the visit, suggest an interest in expanding economic and trade cooperation between Latvia and Iran," the president's office quoted Vejonis as saying.

Speaking at a news conference following his meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics, Zarif said that Latvia and Iran would look into developing closer cooperation in transport.

The Iranian minister arrived in Latvia along with a large business delegation, including 70 entrepreneurs representing various sectors. He said cooperation with Latvia would have a mutually beneficial effect for people in both countries.

Rinkevics said he and Zarif discussed creating a network of honorary consulates in order to build and strengthen business contacts.

"It was a pleasure to address the business delegation, to talk about cooperation in IT, finances, banking, pharmacy and agriculture," the Latvian minister added.

Latvian and Iranian officials also underlined the need to conclude bilateral agreements on air transport and avoidance of double taxation. Enditem