Swedish Prime Minister In Iran For Key Economic And Political Issues
MEP: Stefan Lofven Swedish Prime Minister has arrived in Iran capital, Tehran on Saturday to discuss important economic and political issues.
During a join meeting which was also attended by President Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s supreme leader has told Lofven that Sweden has a good reputation among Iranians and is seen by Tehran as a reliable economic partner.
Describing Tehran-Stockholm relations close and historical, President Rouhani said: “Developing ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Sweden, as a developed European country, an EU member and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, is very important for us”.
Referring to the two countries’ determination to restore the cooperation, especially in economy, between the two countries to the pre-sanctions era, Rouhani said: “We are seeking to tap economic potentials and opportunities, especially Export Guarantee Fund and closer banking relations”.
Sweden and Iran determined to reach the pre-sanction's level of economic cooperation esp via EGFI and expansion of banking relations. pic.twitter.com/2FM6uihIev
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 11, 2017
“We believe that the European Union should fully support European companies and banks in the post-JCPOA era for them to make the best use of the environment for common interests,” continued Rouhani.
Meanwhile, Iranian state TV quoted Ayatollah Khamenei as saying that the United States and Western powers are regarded with suspicion in the Middle East.
“The US and many European powers have played a role in the creation of bitter events in Syria and Iraq and the regional nations, well aware of such meddling, truly hold a negative view of them,” the Leader said.
He added that the interference of certain big powers is the root cause of the existing issues in the Middle East.
For his part, Löfven told reporters that improved trade with Iran would be beneficial for the country’s development and people, as well as for Swedish business.
“It will create jobs in Sweden,” said Löfven to Swedish reporters.
The PM also said that he had raised the issue of human rights, though he declined to comment on the exact nature of their discussion.
“We raised the issues that are relevant,” said Löfven.
During Lofven’s visit, the two countries initialed accords on cooperation in science and technology, higher education and research, roads, telecommunications, and technology.
