Iran, Italy vow to develop mutual cooperation

Iranian President's Chief of Staff Mohammad Nahavandian and Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Lapo Pistelli, in a meeting in Tehran, underlined the need for bolstering bilateral ties between Tehran and Rom in all fields. Nahavandian said that Tehran and Rome have a good record of friendly relations and there are plenty of capacities for continuation of mutual cooperation between the two countries. “The government of Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to expand its relations and interactions with all countries on a win-win basis,” he added. “Italy by witnessing and realizing Iran’s new conditions is willing to develop its cooperation with the Islamic Republic in different fields, including cultural and legal areas,” the Italian diplomat said. The Italian diplomat voiced his country’s willingness for cooperation with Iran in reconstruction of Afghanistan, especially after the date set for exit of foreign troops from the Muslim country. Late in April, Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani and Italian Ambassador to Tehran Luca Giansanti in a meeting explored avenues for the further development of bilateral ties between the two countries, specially in parliamentary fields. During the meeting in Tehran, Larijani and Giansanti underlined the need for bolstering and reinvigorating mutual cooperation between Tehran and Rome. The Iranian parliament speaker pointed to the good track record of close parliamentary relations between Iran and Italy, and said, "Expansion of parliamentary cooperation between Iran and Italy can leave positive effects on the two countries' official relations." Earlier this year, former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad underlined the necessity for deepening relations between Tehran and Rome, and said Tehran sees no limitations on the expansion of ties with Italy. "The Islamic Republic of Iran sees no restriction on the development and deepening of friendly relations between the two countries," Ahmadinejad said in a meeting with Giansanti in February. Noting that Iran and Italy have always enjoyed good relations and cooperation, he stressed the necessity for the further bolstering of ties between the two states. Giansanti, for his part, hailed Iran's progress in different fields, including urban and social developments, and called for the further expansion of cooperation with Tehran in areas of trade, industries and social services.