Iran, Serbia Call For Enhanced Co-op

Belgrade, Oct 8, IRNA – Iranian Paliament Speaker Ali Larijani and his Serbian counterpart Nebojsa Stefanovic in a meeting in the capital city of Belgrade, stressed the need for expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries as well as cooperation in fighting terrorism and weapons and drug smuggling. After the meeting, the two officials held a joint press conference in which the Serbian speaker called the dlrs 40 million annual trade between Iran and Serbia as insufficient. Stefanovic appreciated Iran’s decision not to recognize Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008. The Iranian parliament speaker, for his part, underlined the remarkable role that Serbia plays in the Balkans, calling for further promotion of bilateral ties. Larijani wanted such exchange of visits to be continued as a chance for talks on economic and regional issues. Larijani said that he had briefed his Serbian counterpart on Iran’s peaceful nuclear program during the meeting, adding, the dispute over the country’s nuclear issue can be resolved through negotiations. Meanwhile, the two speakers called for enhanced parliamentary cooperation between Tehran and Belgrade. The Iranian parliament speaker also invited his Serbian counterpart to visit Iran./end