TEHRAN -- New Zealand Ambassador to Tehran Niels Holm, the Head of New Zealand's Organization for Trade and Development in the Middle East, Gavin Young, Tehran Mayor Mohammad-Hassan Malekmadani, and Iranian Foreign Ministry officials have held a meeting. The two sides agreed to share experiences in the areas of converting bus engines from diesel fuel to natural gas and making buildings earthquake-resistant.

According to the International Relations Office of the Tehran Municipality, Malekmadani welcomed Holm's proposals and said that the Bus Fleet Co. of Tehran has already converted many buses from diesel fuel to natural gas, adding that all-out cooperation is needed to implement this plan.

On earthquake management and earthquake-resistant buildings, Malekmadani said that the Earthquake Research Center of Tehran Municipality has contacts with both domestic and international organizations. He added that Iran is prepared to share its experiences and cooperate fully with New Zealand.

The New Zealand ambassador expressed his country's willingness to implement the agreements. He also said that since Tehran and Wellington are located on earthquake faults, they should expand cooperation and share experiences.