TEHRAN - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said that the full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will help take Iran-EU relations to the desirable level.

He made the remarks in a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias in Tehran on Sunday.
Rouhani also said that due to their deep historical and cultural roots, Iran and Greece are able to engage in more comprehensive relations in all areas after the sanctions are lifted.

For his part, Kotzias, who was leading a delegation that included the Greek minister of industry and deputy minister for foreign trade to Tehran, said that more economic ties are to be discussed during a prospective visit by Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to Iran.

Kotzias in particular said with its long history of sailing and shipping industry, Greece can and is willing to become a business partner for Iran which is a powerful country in producing oil and other energy resources.

Greece’s recent efforts to extend relations with Iran follow the prospect of Iran’s freedom from international sanctions under the JCPOA. The deal is expected to go into effect by late 2015 or early 2016.

In his press conference with Kotzias, Foreign Minister Zarif said Tehran is waiting for the visit of the Greek prime minister to Tehran.


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Greek FM Kotzias shakes hand with President Rouhani.
SP/P