Iran, Switzerland Ready to Boost Ties
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The presidents of Iran and Switzerland voiced the two countries’ keenness for stronger bilateral relations in various fields.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Swiss counterpart Johann Schneider-Ammann held a joint press conference in Tehran on Saturday, after a meeting between high-ranking delegations from the two countries.
Rouhani said in the press conference that Tehran and Bern are willing to develop cooperation in the economic, scientific, cultural, industrial and tourism fields.
He also called on Switzerland to reconnect banking ties with Iran and provide export insurance services for Iranian companies.
The president noted that Tehran and Bern will also ramp up efforts to facilitate Iran’s membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The regional developments and the need for fighting against terrorism were among other topics discussed with the Swiss president, Rouhani stated.
He added that the two countries can join hands to offer humanitarian aid to war-hit countries, particularly Syria and Yemen.
For his part, Schneider-Ammann hailed a road-map that the two sides finalized to enhance bilateral relations.
He also urged efforts to facilitate reciprocal visits, launch direct flights between Tehran and Geneva, provide Iran with banking and insurance services, and contribute to Iran’s accession to the WTO.
Heading a high-ranking political, economic and scientific delegation, Schneider-Ammann arrived in Iran on Friday evening.
His trip marks the first-ever visit to Iran by a Swiss president.
The visit follows the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a lasting nuclear deal between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany).
There has been growing enthusiasm for closer ties with Iran after the JCPOA took effect on January 16, terminating all nuclear-related sanctions against Iran.
