Rouhani: Iran Ready to Transfer Technology Know- How to Croatia

President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran is ready to transfer technology know-how and engineering services to Croatia.

The President made the remarks in a meeting with Croatian President KolindaGrabar-Kitarovic.

President Rouhani said Iranian and Croatian governments are firmly determined to expand cooperation on bilateral, regional and international levels.

He emphasized the need to use the economic and technology capacity for Tehran-Zagreb cooperation.

 He said that relations between Iran and Croatia are so close and cordial, adding that Croatia, the Balkan states and Southeast Europe are of significance for the Islamic Republic of Iran and the visit by the Croatian delegation will serve as a prelude to movement and establishment of new ties between Tehran and Zagreb.

President Rouhani said that Croatia is friendly state in the European Union and that the two nations have common interests in light of longstanding ties and cultural affinities.

He said that the Croatian companies have satisfactory record of cooperation in Iran and that such a record will serve as very suitable ground for expansion of the two-way ties.

He said that Iran and Croatia had satisfactory level of trade and economic ties, calling for revitalizing the ties fallen due to sanctions.

President Rouhani said that good opportunities and conditions have been prepared for investment in Iran and they should be used for expansion of every easy and speedy cooperation and relations between the two countries’ private sectors.

He noted that Iran-Croatia economic and trade relations will be possible through expansion of monetary and banking relations. ‘Iran and Croatia should devise laws and regulations for preparing necessary grounds for further cooperation of their economic activists and entrepreneurs.’

He underlined the need for expansion of scientific and cultural relations between the two countries’ universities and research centers, activation of courses on the two countries’ languages in their universities, expansion of relations in new technologies, biotechnology, Nano-technology, IT, and promotion of tourism and relations between Iranian and Croatian people.

He pointed out that Iran and Croatia should support each other in the international communities and have close ties and consultations.

‘Iran and Croatia can have cooperation in line with the UN General Assembly Resolution on the World against Violence and Extremism passed upon a proposal by the Iranian President.’

The Iranian president castigated the interference of certain western governments, including the US, and said it is the root of many problems facing the region.

‘It is source of regret that certain countries put peace, stability and tranquility of regional people in danger to attain their own objectives.’

Referring to problems caused by terrorism in Afghanistan, President Rouhani said today, major portion of terrorists’ financial sources in Afghanistan are prepared through sale of drugs and unfortunately, no serious action has been taken on part of the western governments.

He rebuked certain governments for the financial and arms support to Daesh, and said campaign against terrorism should no longer be a show and it should be translated into action.

He said that serious action must be taken by the international institutions to help refugees, fight drugs and check smuggle of oil by Daesh terrorist group.

‘The European Union is availed with good facilities and capacity and if serious will exists for campaign against terrorism, we will be able to gain good achievements in light of cooperation.’

On Iranian contribution to international campaign against terrorism, President Rouhani said that Iran always helps the countries asking for help to fight terrorism.

‘We believe that government of the countries, gripped with terrorism, should be recognized as the hub of campaign against terrorism.’

Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic said for her part that existing opportunities and atmosphere should be used for all-out expansion of relations, especially in the economic and cultural domains.

She hoped that the agreements reached during her Iran visit will serve as a turning point in expansion of mutual ties and cooperation.

She said that the Islamic Republic of Iran can regard Croatia as a good friend and partner in European Union.

She hoped that Iranian and Croatian trade, which lowered in the past years, will be upgraded in light of efforts of officials and proper plans.

She said that Iran’s achievements in nuclear talks showed that access to the most difficult things will be possible through dialogue.

The Croatian President said that Iran has influential role in campaign against terrorism and contribution to restore peace and stability in the region and help end to regional and international crises.

Cooperation with EU, big step forward, says Rafsanjani

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani says that cooperation with EU member states is an effective step forward in boosting the country’s economy and industry.

 He made the remarks in a meeting with Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic on Wednesday.

Iran welcomes expansion of ties with the European states because cooperation with EU members is an effective step forward in boosting the country’s economy and industry, Rafsanjani said.

He referred to the Balkan region as important for expansion of cooperation between Iran and Europe and said that despite the importance of Iran-Europe gas pipeline, US policies are hindering the execution of this project.

There is no limitation for enhancing all-out ties between Iran and Croatia, the official said.

The Croatian president, for her part hailed launching of the first joint commission of Iran and Croatia.

Kitarovic added that good co-existence of followers of Islam and followers of other religions can serve as a model for other European states.

Muslims are part of Croatia’s identity, she said.

She also thanked Iran for supporting Croatia and recognition of her country’s independence after the Balkan War.

Accompanied by a large business delegation, Croatian president is in the Islamic Republic on an official three-day visit.

IRNA

R.S