While receiving the diplomatic credentials of the newly-appointed Ireland ambassador to Iran Brendon Ward on Sunday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani highlighted the good Tehran-Dublin relations, expressing hope for closer cooperation between the two countries in the wake of the successful conclusion of nuclear negotiations and the end to the illegal sanctions against the Islamic Republic that would pave the way for the expansion of Iran’s relations with other countries.
Noting that Iran and Ireland share common views on many regional issues, Rouhani added that the two countries can intensify efforts for common goals such as fighting terrorism and violence in the region and across the world; “the scourge of terrorism can be stopped only through consultations, cooperation and collective efforts,” Rouhani said.
The Iranian President also stressed the importance of identifying economic and cultural capacities in order to boost the level of trade transactions and develop scientific, academic and tourism cooperation between the two countries.
Brendon Ward, for his part, pointed to the existing conditions necessary for improving bilateral and regional cooperation with Iran, adding “the Islamic Republic is a key player in the Middle East and must maintain a more active role in regional issues especially now that the nuclear negotiations have reached a positive conclusion.”
The newly-appointed Irish ambassador said that his country has always suffered from terrorism, adding that Dublin is ready to cooperate with all friendly countries in fighting terrorism.
Ward further called for the development of trade, economic, cultural and academic ties with Iran, saying “Iran has many historical and cultural attractions that must be introduced to people around the world.”
Also in separate meetings on Sunday, President Rouhani received Singapore’s new non-resident Ambassador to Tehran Ong Keng Yong as well as Dambian Yam, Mongolia’s new non-resident ambassador to Tehran.