Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani expressed hope that the visit of EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and her accompanying delegation to Iran would result in a ‘tangible economic cooperation’, adding “the time has come when we should start to see the impact of the nuclear agreement on our economic relations. One of the major concerns of Iranian businessmen is banking transactions and this issue must be resolved as soon as possible.”
Larijani noted that Iran’s runoff Parliamentary elections will be held within the next two weeks, adding “the priority of the next parliament will be focused on economic activities, and it will play an important part in economic cooperation with European countries.”
Mogherini, for her part, highlighted the EU’s keen interest in returning to its previous position in its economic ties with Iran, saying “seven major commissioners have accompanied me on this trip and I admit, a delegation of this size has never visited any other part of the world, and this indicates our clear interest in expanding cooperation with Iran.”
The EU chief went on to add, “the two sides’ parliaments have a significant role in expanding economic ties and by passing investment laws, we can further facilitate the process.”
Mogherini warned against acknowledging ‘political rhetoric’ of certain countries that could hurt the nuclear deal, adding “we want to reach a lasting agreement that could have tangible economic-political results.”
She also maintained that the EU has held negotiations with its American partners on removing banking obstacles in Iran’s international trade transactions, saying she could see the political will on the American side for solving this issue.
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