President Hassan Rouhani who had officially welcomed Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović in Saadabad Complex this morning, sat in a meeting with his European counterpart before attending an agreement signing ceremony. The two sides signed two documents in economy and trade cooperation and further the two presidents briefed the media on the outcomes of the meeting.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani noted that Croatia is highly regarded for Iran due to their historical and cultural commonalities, as well as its geographical location which can be a gateway to Iran’s ties with the European Union.
Iran immediately recognized Croatia’s independence and since then the two countries hold friendly relations, he said.
“Relations between the two countries was affected during the years of illegal sanctions imposed upon Iran,” Rouhani said adding the two sides have decided to boost economic relations in various fields, particularly in energy and transportation.
Pointing to the visit of President of Croatia along with the political, economic delegation to Iran, Rouhani said the event shows the political will of Croatian government to develop economic relations with Iran.
“In public and private discussions, the two sides examined the capacity to develop relations to attract capital and technology to their countries,” he noted.
Rouhani added that in addition to economic issues, the two sides confirmed their interest in the development of cultural, art, academic and technology relations.
Iranian president underlined the natural and historical attractions of Balkans, Croatia and Iran can encourage tourism between the two countries.
He also added that the two sides had discussed the situation in Balkan region and the significance of further stability in that region; terrorism was also another topic in tals between the two authorities. “We discussed the issue of combating terrorism and agreed on the need for cooperation between Iran and Croatia as well as Iran and the EU in this regard based on the fact that it is a serious issue for all countries,” Hassan Rouhani asserted.
Iranian president also hailed Croatia for its respect for Islam and Muslims; “Croatian president talked about respect the Croatian people have for Islam and the fact that it has been 100 years Islam has been recognized in Croatia; in this regard, unity among religions was another issue of discussion.”
Rouhani also noticed the presence of Croatian grand Mufti among the delegation accompanying Ms. Grabar-Kitarović and expressed it as an indicator of Zagreb’s respect for world of Islam and its relation with the Muslim world.
“Once again I’d like appreciate acceptance of my invitation by H.E. President Grabar-Kitarović to pay official visit Tehran,” Hassan Rouhani concluded.
Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, for her part, appreciated President Rouhani for warm welcome and reception and expressed belief that the visit would bear fruits in enhancing mutual relations, particularly in economic relations between the two capitals.
“I take the opportunity to congratulate the historical nuclear deal in Vienna,” she said and expressed hope that the deal could lead to expansion of ties between two countries and would improve cultural and scientific ties of Iran with other countries.
“Croatia supports expansion of Iran-EU ties and backs opening of EU office in Iran,” said Croatian president. “Cooperation between Iran and Croatia is at a favorable level, but not satisfactory and there are still grounds for more ties. Although we have an eye on more cultural relations, today visit puts special emphasis on more economic relations.”
Grabar-Kitarović also pointed to presence of representatives of 60 Croatian companies and businesses along with several ministers on her entourage as a proof of Zagreb’s intention to boost its economic ties with Tehran. “I believe that this morning meeting and the meeting we will have in the afternoon with Chamber of Commerce will contribute to enhancement of relations and further investments.”
She voiced support for Iran’s goals to modernize its industry and infrastructures and expressed readiness of her fellow country to help Iran to attain this goal. “We are particularly interested in cooperating with Iran in power industry, electric locomotives and modernization of railing systems. We have also a good reputation in ship building industry and are capable of compatibility with demands and requirements of other countries.”
Croatian President also emphasized that her country could be a hub of energy and transfer of commodities by shipping lines.
Meanwhile, she dubbed construction industry as another ground for cooperation where she hailed Croatia’s reputation in the EU and the world in this regard.
“In regard to trade, commerce and tourism industry, I have to admit that or companies and hotels in Croatia have license for Halal food production and they are ready to cooperate with and serve Iranian tourists visiting Croatia.”
Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović referred to international issues like instability in region, terrorism and ethnic conflicts as other topics discussed in morning meeting. “I cannot fully express the role Iran has in the region and as a member of the European Union, Zagreb fully supports Iran’s measures in alleviating tensions in region,” she asserted; “we continue our cooperation with Iran to eradicate terrorism and extremism and solve the situation in countries like Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq to suppress terrorism.”
“I appreciate you Mr. President for mentioning the anniversary of 100 years of recognition of Islam in Croatia. We are pleased to have relations in high levels with Muslims as part of our society and continue this relations; we believe that Croatia is a good model of coexistence in the whole EU,” she asserted.
Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović concluded with appreciating ‘Iran’s welcome with open arms’ for Croatian companies and thanked President Rouhani for his warm hospitality and wished success for the Iranian nation.
HR/LR
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