In meeting with the President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff on Friday evening, Iran’s Hassan Rouhani pointed to good relations between the two countries stating that, “the Brazilian Foreign Minister’s trip to Iran marked the beginning of a new movement in the expansion of bilateral relations and we are looking forward to further strengthening of the ties.”
Underlining that Iran and Brazil must take advantage of the atmosphere created after the nuclear deal, Rouhani called for the Brazilian companies’ investment in various sectors and markets of Iran including industrial sector as well as metal and mineral industries.
Noting that Iran and Brazil have good cultural and political relations in addition to economic ties, Iran’s President said that, “the two parties can have significant cooperation on regional issues, global security, fight against terrorism and drugs trafficking, and strengthening South-South ties."
Rouhani further expressed Iran’s desire to develop cooperation with BRICS in line with its decision to activate and strengthen the private sector.
Deeming Iran as an important energy hub with educated youth and capable human resources, Rouhani asserted that, “today, good grounds for investments have been provided in the country as well as significant progress in various fields of science and technology including nanotechnology, biotechnology and ICT.”
Rouhani invited the his counterpart for an official visit to Iran deeming the journey as a good step towards expansion of bilateral relations.
At another part of the meeting, President Rouhani dealt with the issue of Syria asserting that, “we cannot simultaneously call for war on terrorism and try to undermine the Syrian central government because by collapse of the government, the terrorists will have more opportunities to kill people.”
Stressing that we should not allow terrorist groups to turn into terrorist states, Rouhani stated that, “if all countries give priority to fight against terrorism in Syria, we will be on the right track in solving the Syrian problems.”
The Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff also expressed satisfaction for meeting with Iran’s President asserting that Brazil recognizes and respects Iran’s culture and history.
Underlining that Iran and Brazil have similar views on many international issues, Rousseff said that, “both countries have suffered from sanctions and now there are great opportunities for development of relations in various fields.”
The Brazilian President pointed out the unlimited opportunities of cooperation between the two countries asserting that, “Brazil recognizes Iran as a regional power and is interested in developing trade and economic relations with this country calling Iranian companies to invest in Brazil.”
Inviting trade delegations of the two countries to hold joint meetings, she stated, “in addition to expanding trade, economic and agricultural relations, we also seek development of scientific and technological relations between Tehran and Brasilia.”
Rousseff also said Brazil welcomes the expansion of cooperation between Iran and BRICS association and noted that, “it will be a great honor for me to visit Iran because Brazil attaches great admiration for Iranian culture and civilization.”
Stressing Iran’s major role in stabilizing the region, the Brazilian President said that, “there is no doubt that Syria is in need of a political reform, but the main priority must be rescuing the people and stopping the flood of refugees.”
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