Andrä Rupprechter Austrian Federal Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management who was speaking in the opening session of the 15th International Environment Exhibition on Monday, said that holding of the exhibition was momentous since it was held just after the removal of sanctions and provided opportunities for Iran and Austria to resume cooperation in green economy; “this is very important that Iran has always played a great role in the issue of environment and country’s leader and president had always emphasized on the priority of environment,” said the Austrian minister.
“Iran is the first country to give weight to environment in its constitution; our friendship with Iran goes back to some centuries ago and embassies only opened 140 years ago. We cherish bilateral ties since then and ties had not experienced any lag despite political upheavals during decades,” said Mr. Rupprechter. “Both countries’ efforts and opportunities in environmental issues are similar and hence we need joint ventures globally to address challenges. Paris COP21 was a great feat in this regard and Iran has been a driving force behind the treaty and a major player,” he added.
“Austria has much suffered from the consequences of water paucity; despite industrialization, the country has managed its water sources accurately and our rivers, lakes, and wetlands are highly standard and well-managed,” he told the ceremony.
“Austria has a major share in renewable energies and 35 per cent of the country’s energy is from solar as well as hydropower sources. We have plans to improve the figure to 100 per cent by 2030; Iran, on the other hand, will play important role in the future of environment with ample human and natural resources. We hail working with Iran accordingly,” said the Austrian minister.
“Some of our companies are present in the exhibition to find and exploit opportunities for agricultural and environmental cooperation, and we hope to have better exchanges with Iranian partners,” he added. Tehran International Permanent Fairground hosts the exhibition February 29-March 3.
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