Iran, Georgia Underline Media Cooperation

Iran and Georgia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on mutual cooperation in the field of media, Fars reported.

The MoU was signed by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ramin Mehman-Parast and his Georgian counterpart Nino Kalandadze in Tbilisi.

Mehman-Parast, who is also spokesman of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, arrived in Tbilisi at the head of a media delegation last Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters after the agreement, Kalandadze said, "The bilateral relations between Iran and Georgia are entering a new era and endorsement of this MoU and the visit by the Iranian diplomatic delegation to Tbilisi indicate promotion of the bilateral ties."

The Georgian official also expressed the hope that the two sides' cooperation in different areas, including the media, would further expand.

Mehman-Parast, for his part, underlined the significance of the MoU, and added, "Mass media play a great role in deepening mutual cooperation."

Mehman-Parast further voiced Iran's willingness to continue expansion of ties with Georgia at the highest levels, and stated that the two sides' officials will soon sign a document on lifting visa requirements for exchange of visits by the two countries' nationals.

Earlier, Iran's Ambassador to Tbilisi Majid Samadzade Saber said the corresponding bodies of the two countries have agreed over the issue and a document on lifting the visa regime is due to be signed during Mottaki's upcoming visit to Georgia.

Also elaborating on recent developments in the expansion of the two countries' relations, the foreign ministry spokesman pointed out that Iran would open a consulate office in the Georgian city of Batumi in the near future.

He also stated that the two countries would soon start direct flights between Tehran and Tbilisi.