Austria eyeing further trade ties with Iran

Austrian Secretary General for Foreign Affairs Johannes Peterlik voiced his country’s eagerness to expand trade ties between small and medium-sized companies of his country with Iranian partners, voicing hope that the EU’s Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will benefit the two sides.

The Austrian diplomat made the remarks in his Monday meeting in Vienna with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi.

Peterlik hailed Iran’s policy to stay in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

He referred to Iran’s significance in the Austrian foreign policy as well as its status in West Asia and underlined his country’s political resolve to continue consultations and cooperation with Iran in various fields.

“Austria has always supported the JCPOA and considers it together with the EU as an international pact based on multilateralism,” he said.

The Austrian diplomat also voiced small and medium companies’ interest in cooperation with Iran.

Araqchi, for his part, thanked Austria for its positive and constructive stance for promoting collaboration with Iran and backing JCPOA and stressed the need for further practical support of the EU states to JCPOA.

He also commented on Iran’s stance vis-à-vis Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan, saying that Iran’s regional policy has always been based on cooperation in line with establishing stability and security, as Tehran will continue playing its constructive role in the regional developments.

Araqchi arrived in Vienna on Monday to take part in the fourth round of political negotiations between Iran and Austria.

Araqchi will also visit Slovakia and Bulgaria on the second and third legs of his European tour.

EA