Hungarian House speaker discusses boosting bilateral ties with Iran

Tehran, November 14 (MTI) – Hungary’s House speaker discussed the possibilities of boosting bilateral relations with Iran and further developing economic and political cooperation established last year in Tehran, parliament’s press chief said late on Sunday.

Wrapping up his official visit, László Kövér held talks with Economy Minister Ali Tayebnia, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Sunday, Zoltan Szilagyi told MTI.

Iran’s market of 80 million people has vast potential for Hungarian companies and Hungary could serve as a key entry point for Iran to the European markets, Kover told the economy minister.

He expressed hope that Iran’s parliament would soon ratify the bilateral economic cooperation agreement, allowing the inter-governmental economic mixed committee to hold its inaugural session in Budapest in early February next year in Tayebnia’s presence.

The House speaker also expressed hope that the prospective ratification of a bilateral agreement concluded on the avoidance of double taxation would also boost economic cooperation.

Kövér noted that Hungary’s Eximbank and the Export Development Bank of Iran had signed a declaration of intent on cooperation late in October. Preparations for a jointly funded project, a waste processing and sewage treatment plant in the Iranian city of Yazd, are already under way, he added.

In talks with the foreign minister, Kövér expressed Hungary’s interest in a peaceful and stable Iran that promotes stability in its region could be ensured.

Javad Zarif said Iran was seeking to build close cooperation with Europe, including Hungary.

Kövér discussed with the mayor of Tehran, a sister city of Budapest, possibilities of boosting economic and cultural cooperation with government support.

The mayor identified increased cooperation opportunities in railway construction, bus manufacturing, tourism and culture.

Photo: MTI

Source: MTI