EU Keen to Boost Ties With Iran: ReportThe European Union (EU) on Monday expressed willingness to broaden bilateral ties with Iran in various fields, Iran's official IRNA news agency reported.During his meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi, Jan de Bock, head of the EU troika delegation, said that the EU members are well aware of Iran's economic, political and strategic situation and fully determined to expand ties with the Islamic republic. The EU delegation is in Tehran for the seventh round of Iran-EU comprehensive dialog, a twice-yearly meeting to coordinate mutual stances on various fields. Bock told Kharazi that the EU is deeply interested in accelerating progress in bilateral relations in all areas and EU members are determined to increase investment in Iran. Kharazi agreed with Bock's remarks, saying that the time is ripe for Iran and the EU to embark on economic cooperation more effectively than ever. Iran and the EU have huge economic potentials, he said, adding that the inking of bilateral agreements in energy and other economic sectors could help boost the Iran-EU ties. Earlier in the day, Iran's foreign ministry officials and the EU delegates began their meeting on business, human rights issues, terrorism and drug trafficking. The European delegates lauded Iran's efforts to combat drug trafficking and handle the refugee issues. They also stressed support for future talks on a trade and cooperation agreement, the IRNA said. |
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