Roundup: Iran, Finland vow to promote ties in aftermath of nuke deal

Iranian and Finnish presidents on Wednesday urged for promotion of bilateral cooperation in all spheres following the implementation of a nuclear deal earlier this year.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the visiting Finnish President Sauli Niinisto on Wednesday, President Hassan Rouhani said the visit "is a very good start for development of bilateral ties and regional and international cooperation," according to Tasnim news agency.

He said that in recent months, "we have witnessed growing bilateral relations in the field of economy."

Various fields such as energy, transportation, industry, environment and mining can provide good opportunities for both countries to develop bilateral ties, Rouhani added.

Niinisto stressed that Tehran and Helsinki have had age-old cooperation in various areas and the two countries can boost their cooperation in the future.

He further pointed to Iran's nuclear deal and said the agreement can help create a turning point in bilateral relations.

The July 2015 deal put an end to Iran's decade -long disputed nuclear issue and opened the doors for the country to re-engage with the international community.

Earlier in the day, the two presidents discussed opportunities for mutual cooperation including connecting the two countries via railroad, the report said.

Iran can help Finland have access to the Persian Gulf by rail, said Rouhani at a meeting of high-ranking officials from Iran and Finland.

"Today, Iran's railroad is connected to Russia via Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, and we are trying to complete a connection through Baku as well," he said. "We welcome the connection of that railroad to Helsinki, so that Finland would be also linked to the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean."

Finnish president urged cooperation to expand Tehran-Moscow railroad and link it to Helsinki, also calling for the operation of direct flights between Iran and Finland.

Meanwhile, both presidents expressed their deep concerns over displacement of people in war-hit countries in the Middle-East region.

Iran and Finland on Wednesday signed four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to cooperate in a number of areas, official IRNA news agency reported.

Based on the agreements, both countries will cooperate in energy, communication and technology, natural resources and forest management, and investment sectors.

On Tuesday, they sealed another MoU on education, exploration and extraction of rare elements in the earth.

Niinisto arrived in Tehran on Tuesday with a high-profile delegation, including several Finnish entrepreneurs as well as political officials, for a two-day visit to the Islamic republic.

Upon his arrival in Tehran, Niinisto said that his visit to Iran will provide a unique opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest and boost bilateral ties.

"My visit is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, explore new chances for economic cooperation and enhance collaboration between Finnish and Iranian companies," Niinisto said, when addressing the two country's business representatives Tehran on Tuesday.

"During the year gone by, we have taken steps forward in broadening our relations and have made many high-level visits," he said.

He said Finland can offer Iran first-class expertise and technology covering "energy efficiency, bio-economy, forestry, mining, construction and health." Endit