Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian has met with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic-Radman on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.
Referring to the potential for bilateral cooperation, the two sides stressed the need to activate cooperation mechanisms, such as the joint economic commission.
During the meeting, in addition to bilateral issues, topics including the crisis in Afghanistan, refugees and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action were discussed.
The Iranian foreign minister referred to the importance of the Balkan region, especially Croatia, in the foreign policy of the 13th Iranian administration, stating that the two countries have great potential for developing cooperation in political and cultural spheres.
He further added that two agreements are on the agenda of the Iranian parliament in the field of customs cooperation and encouragement of mutual investment, and that with the final approval of these agreements, new opportunities will be created for cooperation.
Amir Abdollahian referred to the fact that the two countries have not held a joint economic commission for 16 years, stating that Iran is ready to revive the commission in Tehran as soon as possible.
During this meeting, the Croatian foreign minister also highlighted the importance of relations with Iran, stating that Croatia seeks to strengthen relations with the Islamic Republic. The joint economic commission is one of the mechanisms that help to expand ties.
Referring to negotiations between Iran and the 4+1 group and the Vienna agreement (JCPOA), he said that part of the benefits of this agreement will help improve Iran’s economy.
He said the visit of the director general of the Agency (IAEA) to Tehran and the technical agreement between the two sides was an important step, adding that the goal of the JCPOA is clear and there is no better alternative to it.
The Croatian foreign minister further referred to the sanctions as an obstacle in the way of development of relations, saying that the two countries’ capacities in the economic field are high, but the sanctions have damaged the trade relations between the two countries.
The top Croatian diplomat stressed the importance of Iran’s role in contributing to peace and stability of Afghanistan and said that the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran are important especially in the issue of refugees.
The Iranian foreign minister also expounded on Iran’s measures to help improve the situation in Afghanistan, including the reception of refugees, sending humanitarian aid and helping citizens of other countries, including citizens of Croatia, to exit Afghanistan.
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