Tehran welcomes investments by Belgium firms: Iran President

During a meeting on Tuesday with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel on the sidelines of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly, President Rouhani described as a precious asset establishment of good ties between Iran and the Central European culture-loving nation.

President Rouhani said that the nuclear deal between Tehran and the major world powers has provided good opportunities for promotion of economic ties between Iran and other countries.

'To strengthen the deal, we should improve the positive atmosphere created by the international agreement through reinforcing economic relations,' he said, referring to the nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

He added that after implementation of the JCPOA, many European companies, including Belgian companies, started engaging with Iran.

'Many agreements have been made and many negotiations are still underway,' he added.

Rouhani also said that, in order to expand economic cooperation, Iran and Belgium need to improve banking ties.
'Tehran is interested in expanding scientific and technological ties with Brussels and we think it is necessary for the two countries to facilitate tourism as well,' he said.

Touching on the issue of terrorism, President Rouhani said that Iran is a victim of terrorism.

Seventeen thousand people have been killed by terrorists since after the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, he said.

'Iran is ready to cooperate with Europe and Brussels to fight against terrorism,' the Iranian President said.

The Prime Minster of Belgium, on his part, agreed that Iran nuclear deal has provided the country with a great opportunity to engage more with the world.

Michel also said that he will convey Iran's message to all his colleagues throughout Europe.

Belgium is eying expansion of ties with Iran and Belgian companies are also interested in investing in the country, he said.

The Prime Minster also invited President Rouhani to make an official visit to Brussels.

Such a visit is going to demonstrate Iran's readiness to cooperate with the 27 European nations.

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