Opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation and development of the EU-Iran relations were among the main topics at the meeting between the European Affairs Committee management and the delegation of the Iran-Bulgaria Friendship Group at the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran. The Iranian MPs, led by Chair of the Friendship Group Ahmad Ali Reza Beygi, are on a four-day visit to Bulgaria.

The good relations between Bulgaria and Iran have a rich tradition and this is proved by the fact that this year we will celebrate 120th anniversary of the diplomatic relations, said Chair of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds Kristian Vigenin. He expressed his satisfaction with the more active bilateral dialogue in the past years and highlighted the importance of the talks between Bulgarian and Iranian MPs.

There is untapped potential for development of our relations in the areas of economy, transport infrastructure, science and education, emphasised the Chair of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds. In his words, the visit of the delegation of the Iran-Bulgaria Friendship Group at the Iranian Islamic Consultative Assembly will contribute to identifying concrete forms of joint cooperation in a number of areas.

Chair of the Friendship Group Ahmad Ali Raza Beygi emphasised that the forthcoming presidency of the Council of the EU was a good opportunity not only for Bulgaria, but also for Iran. The meetings of the Friendship Groups at the Bulgarian and Iranian parliaments will contribute to better cooperation between the two countries and strengthen the future development of their relations, he said. Iran is a secure, stable and strong country, which encourages free initiative and business development, said Ahmad Ali Raza Beygi.