Economic coop. to expedite thaw in Iran-UK ties

TEHRAN, Mar. 12 (MNA) – Chief of staff of President Hassan Rouhani said Fri. expanding ties between Iran and UK may be easier done through economic, rather than political, cooperation. In a meeting with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in London on Friday, Mohammad Nahavandian added that relations between Iran and the UK may not necessarily have to be expanded through political ties and economic cooperation may as well play a more efficient role in improving the two countries’ relations. He deemed positive the results of Iran’s nuclear deal in expanding Tehran-London relations, saying “Iran expects countries, particularly those who had a part in the nuclear accord, to prepare the ground for banking activities and trade exchanges between financial and banking institutions after the implementation of the JCPOA and the lift of sanctions.” “Iran’s constructive interaction, as the main strategy in the country’s foreign policy, has opened a new chapter in its cooperation with other states and the nuclear deal can be considered as the greatest achievement of this policy,” he said. He went on to add that countries, which are keen to improve trade and economic relations with Iran, should adopt practical measures that would have direct and tangible effects on Iran’s economy. The British foreign secretary, for his part, commended the lift of sanctions against Iran, saying his country is eager to broaden relations with the Islamic Republic in all areas; “we are keen on taking practical measures for preparing the ground for the expansion of ties between the two countries and are ready to make every effort to improve our economic ties with Iran,” he said. Hammond expressed hope that the remaining few obstacles in the way of financial and banking cooperation with Iran would be removed as soon as possible, saying British financial and banking institutions are seriously resolute in resuming their activities with Iran. Hammond then stressed Iran’s deceive role in the region, saying “peace and security in the Middle East will not be possible without Iran’s participation and the country’s help with regional dialogs and in the fight against terrorism will have a remarkable effect on achieving stability in the region.” He also expressed hope that the remaining consular issues would be resolved as soon as possible and Iranian and British nationals would travel with more ease between the two countries. On Feb. 23, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in a tweet announced the resumption of issuing visas for Iranian nationals at its embassy in Tehran, as was promised six months after the reopening of the Embassy.