In talks with the governor of the Central Bank of Iran in Athens, the deputy Greek prime minister expressed his country’s interest in expanding ties with Tehran.
“Our ties to the Islamic Republic of Iran are very important from a strategic perspective and we want to develop and expand our links with Tehran,” Yannis Dragasakis was quoted as saying by the official website of the CBI.
CBI Governor Valiollah Seif called on Dragasakis Thursday to discuss economic and banking ties between the two countries.
Dragasakis hailed the improvement in bilateral relations and the fact that high-ranking officials from both countries met during the past few months. “Greece is willing to strengthen its economic ties with Iran,” he said. “Our banks and the Bank of Greece –the country’s central bank– are eager to continue their mutual work with Iran.”
Pointing to Iran’s unique regional standing, the Greek official emphasized the role played by the two countries in helping maintain regional peace and stability. He called for implementing agreements signed during the Greek prime minister’s visit to Iran.
Heading an economic delegation consisting of more than 50 officials, industrialists and business leaders, Alexis Tsipras paid an official visit to Iran in February. He met with the Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani, making him the first western leader to visit Iran after the lifting of trade sanctions in January.
The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in diverse sectors, namely energy, technology, commerce, tourism and construction, with Tspiras noting that Greece would become an energy, economic and trade bridge between Iran and the European Union.
In his meeting with the Greek official, the CBI governor noted that Iranian officials and the public hold a positive view of Greece. Saying that Rouhani’s government is keen on improving Iran’s economy and use its potentials, Seif said expanding economic and banking ties between the two countries can help further those goals.
“In the present circumstances, Iran and Greece can develop close partnership aimed at strengthening economic growth. Both countries are committed to removing banking hurdles and the betterment of economic and business ties,” he said.
Pointing to the positive atmosphere that was created after Tsipras visited Tehran, Seif said efficient banking links can and would play an important role in augmenting bilateral economic ties. “Positive steps have been taken to expand banking ties with many European countries, including Greece.”
