Nakhost news – Speaking with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz by telephone on Monday afternoon, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi referred to the 500-year history of friendly and constructive relations between the two countries, saying, “This long history is a valuable asset for the future of relations”.
The President stated that despite the will and benefit of economic interactions, the reduction of trade between the two countries has no rational basis and justification, saying, “We must protect the interests of the two countries and not allow ill-wishers to influence these relations with various tricks”.
Referring to the Austrian Chancellor’s question on the Islamic Republic of Iran’s approach to the recent developments in Afghanistan, President Raisi stated, “If we look at the contemporary history of Afghanistan, we see that Afghanistan has not had a good day since the Americans began interfering in its affairs”.
Ayatollah Raisi added, “We believe that the various groups in Afghanistan should consider the withdrawal of the United States as a turning point and, in interaction with each other, achieve a government that is generally accepted by the people”.
The President said that despite the oppressive sanctions, Iran has borne all the material and spiritual costs of the Afghan refugees, adding, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has sought to establish peace and security in Afghanistan, and we are ready to cooperate with governments that feel responsible to bring peace to Afghanistan”.
Referring to the outbreak of the mutated strain of coronavirus, President Raisi said, “We welcome cooperation with Austria in the field of providing COVID-19 vaccine and we are ready to work on joint research related to the vaccine”.
In this phone conversation, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said, “We hope that the new government of Iran will be more successful in creating economic and social prosperity for the people of the country, and in the international field, the negotiations in Vienna will end successfully”.
Expressing concern over the recent developments in Afghanistan, the Austrian Chancellor thanked the Iranian government and people for showing hospitality towards the Afghan immigrants.
Expressing hope for the continuation of these talks, Kurz thanked President Raisi for inviting him to visit Tehran.
End Item