Iran’s Rouhani wants to see Italy as largest partner in EU

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has urged Italy to restore its role as Iran's largest economic partner in the EU.

"Italy used to be Iran's largest economic partner in the EU before sanctions were imposed [on Tehran] and we want Italy to restore its previous role," said Rouhani addressing a joint press conference with Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in Tehran Apr. 12, aired live by Iran's IRINN news channel.

Italy was one of Iran's major economic and trade partners before the 2012 nuclear-related sanctions, when annual exchanges amounted to 7 billion euros as compared to 1.6 billion euros now.

Elsewhere in his speech, Rouhani touched upon the topics discussed during his meeting with the Italian PM this morning, saying the ways to foster economic and trade cooperation in the post-sanctions era, the presence of Italian investors and companies in Iran, fighting terrorism, regional issues and tourism were among the main topics on agenda.

Speaking about the financial ties between Iran and Italy, President Rouhani called for removing obstacles to the expansion of trade ties.

He said proper measures have been taken to strengthen banking ties between the two countries.

However, added Rouhani, the parties still need to solve some issues.

"Although the sanctions on Iran's banking system have been lifted, there are still some psychological impacts that should be removed," he noted.

Rouhani believes that the documents signed in Italy and Iran will pave the way for joint investments and bringing technology from Italy to Iran.

Iran and Italy have agreed a total of 36 deals as six new documents were signed in Tehran April 12, and 30 documents were signed in Rome in January.

President Rouhani further called for cooperation between Iranian and Italian universities in various scientific and cultural sectors.

Italy's Renzi arrived in Tehran early Tuesday on a two-day official visit leading a high ranking political and economic delegation.

/By Trend/