Iran, Albania Arrange Regular Political Talks
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Foreign ministers of Iran and Albania in a meeting in Tehran explored avenues for the expansion of economic relations between the two nations, and also agreed to hold regular political negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Albanian counterpart Ditmir Bushati had a meeting in Tehran on Saturday that focused on enhanced trade ties.
They also signed a memorandum of understanding on regular political negotiations between Tehran and Tirana.
In the meeting, Foreign Minister Zarif highlighted the ample opportunities for political, parliamentary, cultural and economic cooperation with Albania, as in the trade tourism industry, road and railway construction, energy industry, and in the fight against terrorism.
For is part, the visiting Albanian minister called for agreements with Iran on “sponsoring joint investment” and “double tax exemption”, and for closer cultural interaction and diplomatic contacts.
The current situation is ripe for deeper ties with Iran, so that Albania has decided "to establish its embassy in Tehran,” Bushati added.
Enthusiasm among the Balkan States for ties with Iran has grown after implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear agreement between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany).
In October 2016, in a meeting with Albania’s new accredited ambassador to Tehran, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani highlighted the importance that his administration attaches to closer ties with the Balkan States.
“Promotion of cooperation with the Balkan States, including Albania, has been always important for us,” the president said.
