Rouhani calls for widening of Iran-Hungary ties

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani in a message to his Hungarian counterpart János Áder on Tuesday called for expansion of mutual cooperation in different political and economic fields.

"I hope that with regard to the existing potentials, we witness further development of relations and cooperation in all fields of mutual interest," President Rouhani said in his message to President Áder congratulating him on the occasion of that country's National Day.

"I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to Your Excellency on October 23, the National Day of Hungary," the Iranian president added.

In Hungary, October 23 marks the memorial day of the 1956 Revolution which aimed at the departure of the Soviet troops from Hungary and free elections. The date of the country’s State Foundation Day is August 20 which is celebrated with fireworks.

In a relevant development in early August 2017, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a meeting with Vice-Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly István Jakab called for the enhancement of banking ties between Tehran and Budapest.

"Expansion of banking ties between Iran and Hungary will prepare the grounds for fostering cooperation in other areas as well," Zarif said.
He underlined that, "The two nations have a long history of bilateral ties."

Jakab, for his part, called for strengthening mutual cooperation in various areas. He said that his country is willing to widen parliamentary and economic ties with Iran.

During the meeting, the two officials held talks on boosting relations in the fields of water management, energy and tourism.

EA