Tehran, Belgrade to Boost Coop.

Iran and Serbia expressed firm resolve to build bilateral engagement in a wide range of domains, from economy to culture. "Tehran and Belgrade have a friendly relationship and there is strong will on both sides to develop and consolidate political, economic and cultural ties," Deputy Foreign Minister for European and American Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi said. He made the statement in a meeting with his Serbian counterpart, Goran Aleksic, in Tehran on Tuesday, IRNA reported. The two sides discussed potential for improved cooperation in various sectors, including trade, oil and gas and tourism, and voiced readiness to share experience and technology. Aleksic highlighted the Islamic Republic's "key, constructive" role in the region and the world, saying, "Belgrade attaches great value to its relations with Tehran." The meeting also covered discussions on the situation in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.  Iran and Serbia stepped up efforts to develop bilateral relations after the Iran nuclear deal went into effect a year ago to lift international sanctions targeting the country's economy in return for curtailing its nuclear program.