Baku, Azerbaijan, May 18
By Fatih Karimov - Trend:
Iran and Croatia are determined to boost mutual economic cooperation, in particular in the energy and transportation sectors, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said.
He made the remarks during a press conference with his visiting Croatian counterpart Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic in Tehran May 18, Iran's state-run IRINN TV reported.
International sanctions on Tehran prevented the two countries from boosting their relations in line with their capacities, said Rouhani, adding the parties have reviewed each other's potential and capability that can contribute to the growth in relations, including the Islamic Republic's engineering and technical capabilities which can be used in Croatia.
In addition to economic issues, Tehran and Zagreb also voiced willingness to enhance cultural and academic relations, as well as cooperation in science and technology, said Rouhani.
He further said that tourism was another topic discussed at the meeting and both sides emphasized the importance of boosting cooperation in that sector.
The important issues of the Middle East, in particular the countries facing terrorism, were also on the agenda of the talks, he added.
Iran and Croatia also stressed the need for cooperation in fighting terrorism, said Rouhani.
Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic arrived in Tehran early May 18 to discuss expansion of bilateral ties with the Iranian officials.
Meanwhile, representatives from 72 Croatian companies alongside with several ministers arrived in Tehran on May 16.
The Croatian delegation is also scheduled to hold several meetings with the members of the Iranian private sector to discuss bilateral cooperation.