Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif made the remark in his meeting with Henk Kamp, Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, in the Hauge on Thursday, adding “very favorable conditions have been provided for both countries to expand economic cooperation.”
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed ways for boosting bilateral cooperation and highlighted the need for further consultations between Iranian and Dutch banking officials.
Zarif also held separate talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Thursday, where the Iranian diplomat described Tehran-Amsterdam relations as deeply-rooted and added that the Netherlands, as Iran’s third major trade partner among the EU member states, holds a significant position in Iran’s plans for economic cooperation.
He also extended an invitation to PM Rutte for an official visit to Iran.
The Dutch prime minister, for his part, expressed his country’s keen interest in cementing and developing relations with the Islamic Republic. He referred to the visits of Dutch foreign minister and minister of economy to Iran in the past year, saying the visits are an indication of the interest and inclination of the Dutch government in improving ties with Iran.
Zarif also met with members of Dutch Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs where he conferred on issues regarding Iran’s nuclear deal and post-JCPOA opportunities for investment, as well as developments in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Syria. During the meeting, Zarif also stressed that Iran and the Netherlands could exchange views on environmental topics including dust and water resources management.
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