A senior Belgian lawmaker said the implementation of nuclear deal between Iran and world powers on January 16 has prepared the ground for strengthening ties between Tehran and Brussels.
President of Belgium's Senate Christine Defraigne made the statement in a joint press conference with Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani in Tehran on Wednesday, IRNA reported.
Defraigne said in her meeting with Larijani, which was held before the press conference, the two sides discussed ways of boosting cooperation in various fields, including science and technology.
The Belgian lawmaker said in addition to the governments, the two parliaments can engage in cooperation to transfer legislative experience and help pave the way for upgrading relations.
Defraigne said the two countries can also engage in intelligence cooperation against terrorist groups, including the self-styled Islamic State militant group.
"Fighting IS is only possible through international cooperation," she said. "On this long path, we need to collaborate and exchange intelligence."
The Belgian official added that after helping defeat terrorists and create lasting peace in Syria, the global community should prepare the ground for the establishment of a democratic government of national unity in the Arab country.
Larijani said the trip of the Belgian lawmaker has provided an opportunity for taking bilateral ties to a higher level.
The speaker said discussions with his Belgian counterpart in their meeting revolved around economic cooperation and removal of obstacles to expand ties.
Defraigne and her accompanying delegation arrived in Iran on Wednesday for a five-day stay. She will also meet President Hassan Rouhani, Chairman of Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, head of the Center for Strategic Research, Ali Akbar Velayati, among other Iranian officials.
The implementation of the July 2015 nuclear deal, which resulted in the removal of sanctions on Iran and eased its access to the global financial system, has encouraged European countries to boost commercial ties with Tehran.
