Mr. Ian Biggs as Australian new ambassador presented President Rouhani with his credentials on Sunday, but his incumbency had started earlier in May. Mr. Rouhani lamented the fact that despite cordial ties between Tehran and Canberra, both countries had failed to advance relations to the level of cordiality; “banking cooperation and trade constitute a major field of interaction and we evaluate deepening ties with Australia highly. Iran and Australia would enjoy tourism, scientific and tech cooperation,” he told the meeting.
Rouhani voiced concerns over Australian conduct of the refugees which he believed was violation of international rules of handling migrants. Recently, Australia and Papua New Guinea had agreed to close a controversial Australian-funded asylum seeker detention center on Manus Island, although the ultimate fate of 800 refugees held in the camp remained unclear.
On fight against terrorism, Rouhani believed that extremism and terrorism had been major threats to global stability and security and serious international cooperation was required to tackle the malaise.
Mr. Biggs for his part, pointed to 50th anniversary of Australia-Iran political relations; “we have been happy to have relations with Iran, and in post-JCPOA, we have great opportunities to improve trade,” he added. “A joint economic commission will start acting with upcoming visit by Australian minister of trade; this, and fighting against terrorism provide common grounds of understanding for two countries.”
“Australian government had admitted that there has been concerns over its conduct of refugees and migrants in the camp, and had entered negotiations with international organizations to address the issue. Recently, however, we have agreed with Papua New Guinea to close the camp as a positive development in our response to international demands on humanitarian basis,” he concluded.
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