In a joint press conference with Iran’s FM Mohammad Javad Zarif, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov expressed satisfaction about his earlier meeting with President Rouhani as well as the Iranian minister of road and urban development announcing the signing of an MoU in the field of education and sports.
Mitov further expressed hope that all the envisaged projects will become operational adding “one plan pertains to transport corridor where Bulgaria can become the gateway of Iran to the European Union (EU).”
The Bulgarian official also evaluated energy as one of the most delicate and crucial issues between the two countries since Europe seeks to diversify its energy sources.”
Mitov, who is on a two-day visit to Iran on Sunday and Monday, appreciated the remarkable meetings in Tehran as well as hospitability of Iranians; “these are indications of mutual trust and a signal to the lifting of sanctions in near future and we will once again be able to revitalize and promote relations.”
In response to the reporters' question on JCPOA, the Bulgarian FM said “Iran is fully committed to implementing its obligations while we need to be dedicated as well in order to launch JCPOA and to remove sanctions.”
“There might be some protests but the actions of US foreign minister are based on a positive attitude and both sides seek to resolve the issue,” added Mitov emphasizing that JCPOA and the Vienna process are two separate and unrelated issues.
The official underlined that Iranian and US FMs are both looking to find a resolution to regional as well as international conflicts; “we fully support these measures and appreciate the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran as well as those who can bring the Syrian crisis to an end by fighting against terrorism and extremism,” he noted.
On a question on the effect of the visit to Iran on development of bilateral relations, Mitov asserted “we have had constructive meetings identifying extremely important areas for deepening ties between the two sides.”
“Iran can play a major role since we yearn to make sure that the Middle Eastern country will become the most important source for diversifying EU’s gas,” he maintained.
In response to another question on the exact date of JCPOA implementation, the Bulgarian FM said “the precise date is not specified yet due to the existence of certain problems although we expect the process to begin by the end of the current month.”
“We seek to discuss future opportunities rather than focus future pressures,” said Mitov stressing the existence of opportunities and challenges on the road ahead of both sides.
HA/3005864