Visiting Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders said his country is interested in increasing its ties with Iran in various economic areas including oil, gas, and energy.
He made the remarks in a meeting with President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday during which both sides discussed expansion of bilateral relations.
Relying on their historical ties, President Rouhani said Iran and the Netherlands enjoy capacities that can be promoted in economic, cultural and political areas.
“In the new conditions, both countries can compensate the past. We can confer on regional issues too,” he added.
President Rouhani urged the Netherland to contribute to the relations between Iran and European Union during its coming EU presidency in 2016 when sanctions against Iran will be removed.
Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif has called for expansion of relations between Iran and the Netherlands to include areas such a water management and agriculture in addition to the traditional ties in the fields of oil, gas, and energy.
“In addition to the economic cooperation in oil, gas and energy, we will continue our ties in water resources management and agriculture in which the Netherlands has achieved significant advances,” he said in a joint press conference with his Dutch counterpart .
Koenders who arrived here on Sunday has said his country which takes over EU presidency in January next year will be committed to implementation of the nuclear Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during its six-month presidency.