May 20, 2007, 8:04 PM

Portugal hopes to expand ties with Iran when it takes over EU presidency

TEHRAN, May 20 (MNA)-- In a meeting with Iranian Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Chairman Alaedin Borujerdi, Portuguese Ambassador to Tehran José Fernando Moreira da Cunha expressed hope that Iran and his country would expand bilateral ties during Portugal’s term in the rotating presidency of the European Union.

Pointing to the 500 years of Iran-Portugal relations, Borujerdi expressed hope that the two countries would expand political, economic, and parliamentary cooperation.  

 

The Portuguese ambassador, for his part, called for the expansion of bilateral ties.

 

He also submitted the official invitation of the Portuguese Parliament defense and foreign policy committee chairman for a visit to Lisbon by Borujerdi.

 

Accepting his Portuguese counterpart’s invitation, Borujerdi said that this visit would be an opportunity for explaining Iran’s stances on the regional and international developments and the country’s peaceful nuclear program as well as Iran-Portugal bilateral relations.

 

“Iran’s decision to hold official talks with the U.S. to help resolve Iraq’s problems was a wise move that will influence the region,” Borujerdi said of the planned talks between Iran and the U.S. on the security situation in Iraq.

 

“Given the transparency of Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities, which are carried out under the continuous supervision of IAEA inspectors, it is reasonable to expect the negotiations to lead to a mutual understanding,” he said.  

 

Moreira also described the planned Iran-U.S. negotiations as a good opportunity to reduce tension in the region and improve security in Iraq.

 

PA/HG

END

MNA

 

 

News ID 23460

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