Prague, May 2 (CTK) – Cooperation between the Czech Republic and Iran in nuclear energy is a great chance for bilateral relations, Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek and Iranian Vice-President Ali Akbar Salehi agreed at their meeting on Monday.
Zaoralek (senior government Social Democrats, CSSD) told reporters that Czechs can offer great expert knowledge to Tehran.
Salehi, who visited the Nuclear Research Institute (UJV) in Rez near Prague before his meeting with Zaoralek, also praised the work of Czech nuclear researchers.
“Cooperation in this area can considerably help strengthen bilateral trust and the fulfilment of the programme of nuclear energy peaceful use in Iran,” Zaoralek said.
He reminded of the agreement between Iran and six powers, the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany, from last July, in which Tehran pledged to limit its nuclear activities and made them more transparent in exchange for lifting the U.S. and EU sanctions.
Thanks to this agreement, relations between the Czech Republic and Iran have become dynamic, Zaoralek said.
Czech diplomacy and business are trying to use the lifting of sanctions and follow up the good relations Czechoslovakia had with Tehran. In the past few months, several talks on the ministerial level were held and delegations of Czech businesspeople visited Iran.
Before a meeting with Zaoralek, Salehi also talked to Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka (CSSD). They mainly discussed bilateral cooperation in nuclear and economic areas.
A great potential for Czech-Iranian cooperation also lies in the energy industry, water management, transport infrastructure and supplies of mass transport means, Sobotka said.
“We have already achieved the first results in the economic area,” Zaoralek noted.
Since the beginning of the year, the Brno-based Zetor Tractors and the Energo-Pro producer of water turbines have signed contracts with Iran, and the Skoda Auto car maker is also considering entering the Iranian market.
Economic cooperation could help deepen diplomatic relations, Zaoralek said.
The Czech Republic and Iran have not been represented on the level of ambassadors since 1998 when Tehran withdrew its ambassador from Prague in protest against the Persian broadcasts of the Prague-based Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE).
“I feel resolution to strengthen diplomatic relations soon,” Zaoralek said.
