TEHRAN – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras held official talks in Tehran on Monday discussing bilateral ties.

Rouhani said that Iran is ready to expand ties with the European Union members states especially Greece.

Expansion of Tehran-Athens relations benefits both countries’ people, he added.

He also highlighted the importance of boosting cooperation in fighting terrorism.

“Fighting terrorism requires an international determination, but some Western countries have not shown determination in countering terrorism and some other countries use terrorists to gain short term benefits,” Rouhani noted.

He added that the countries that support terrorism should be convinced that instrumental use of terrorism is “wrong” and will harm them.

The president also highlighted the necessity of cooperation in boosting peace and stability in the Middle East region.

For his part, Tsipras said that Greece is determined to expand relations with Iran.

The Greek prime minister also said that Iran plays an important role in regional stability, adding that it is essential to fight terrorism.

------Iran, Greek sign three memorandums of understandings

Iran’s First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri and the Greek prime minister on Monday signed three memorandums of understandings including a roadmap to improve bilateral cooperation, one to establish close political cooperation, and an agreement on visa exemptions for diplomatic passports.

Iranian and Greek officials also discussed expansion of cooperation in trade, finance, tourism, culture, housing and road construction, agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

--------- Tsipras: Greece can serve as a bridge between Iran and Europe

In a joint press conference with Jahangiri, Tsipras said that Iran’s role in fighting terrorism in the region is important.

Iran “can be a stabilizing factor in an unstable region,” Tsipras noted.

Jahangiri also described the Greek prime minister’s official trip to Tehran as a “turning point” in ties. Tsipras also said Greece can serve as a bridge between Iran and Europe.

Heading a politico-economic delegation, the Greek premier arrived in Isfahan on Saturday night on an official visit to the Islamic Republic aimed at strengthening political and economic relations.

Tsipras was accompanied by Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias; Environment and Energy Minister Panagiotis Skourletis; Economy, Development and Tourism Minister Georgios Stathakis; and Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Mardas as well as a 50-member team of industrialists and businesspeople.

NA/PA