Tehran, Lisbon Favor Broader Cooperation

Iran's top lawmaker called for closer economic cooperation between Tehran and Lisbon, saying the current bilateral trade is "negligible" compared with the two nations' capacities.

Ali Larijani made the statement in a meeting with Chairman of Foreign Affairs and Portuguese Communities Committee of Portugal's Parliament, Sergio Sousa Pinto, in Tehran on Sunday, ICANA reported.

Pointing to their longstanding relations, Larijani said the two sides should use opportunities to develop "industrial and energy" cooperation, in line with their national interests.

"Majlis welcomes more friendly relations with the Portuguese Parliament and will provide legal support for broader collaboration between the two governments," he said.

Larijani noted that the two countries should first facilitate banking connections, as it is a prerequisite to better economic and trade dealings.

On West Asia's conflicts, Larijani said Tehran believes that crises in Syria and Yemen should be solved peacefully and through national reconciliation and democratic means.

The Majlis speaker said the Islamic Republic will continue to fight terrorist entities in the region, but rooting out the scourge will need "international determination".

Larijani criticized the European Union for its limited and insignificant role in fighting terrorism and settling conflicts in the region.

Pinto said the Portuguese government and parliament are willing to take Iran relations to a higher level.

"Portugal has a favorable view on easing visa restrictions for Iranians, as it is key to broader contacts and tourism relations," he said.

Pinto said Portugal's opinion on how to settle regional conflicts is close to Iran, adding that the EU's view on the region is not identical to that of the US.

The Portuguese legislator censured double standards adopted by certain countries in fighting terrorism, stressing the need for a serious campaign against terrorism.

Pinto and his accompanying delegation, which arrived in Tehran last week and traveled to Isfahan Province before coming to Tehran, attended the Majlis open session on Sunday.