President Mohammad Khatami is expected back home today after a three-day visit to Madrid for talks on ways to promote bilateral ties in various areas. The visit is expected to usher in a new era in Tehran-Madrid relations, particularly considering the fact that when it held the rotating presidency of the European Union, Spain made a significant contribution to initiating the ongoing Iran-EU talks for a bilateral trade and economic accord.

The TEHRAN TIMES recently interviewed Majlis Deputy from Zanjan and member of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Abolfazl Shakouri to learn his views on the visit.

Following is the text of the interview.

Q: Mr. Shakouri, how do you think the development of Tehran-Madrid ties will affect Iran's relations with the European Union? Will it ever be in the interests of the Islamic Republic? A: Spain, relying on its good diplomatic and economic ties with the Islamic Republic, is one of Iran's supporters in the European Union and has always supported Tehran's positions toward the union. Therefore, given Spain's significant standing in the EU, it seems that any development in Iran's relations with that country would open the door for promoting our policies regarding the union. Tehran can easily make use of its good offices with Madrid to secure Spanish support in the EU.

Q: How can Iran and Spain cooperate in the economic area? A: Iran and Spain can promote bilateral economic cooperation in areas such as the oil industry and the agricultural sector. The Islamic Republic can definitely benefit from the Spanish expertise in the area of agriculture.

I believe Iranian officials could also use President Khatami's visit to the country to promote exports of Iranian hand-woven carpets.

This is especially important, considering the fact that today, unfortunately, Iran has a less pronounced say in the world's carpet market. I believe that discussions to promote the industry, which is the lifeblood of some two million Iranians, would certainly benefit the Islamic Republic, in that it would help solve the unemployment problem and at the same time would help boost Iran's domestic exports.

Q: How can Iran and Spain expand their diplomatic cooperation within international organizations? A: Spain can definitely play a significant role in reflecting the realities of the Islamic Republic to the world, particularly given that certain international organizations have always used the issue of human rights to pressure Iran. Spain, as a friendly country, can vote for the Islamic Republic in such organizations.

Besides, Iran and Spain relying on their common stances on the issue of Palestine, can coordinate efforts to champion the rights of the Palestinians.

Fighting drugs and international terrorism are other areas in which the two countries can expand mutual cooperation. The Islamic Republic, given the loss of life and property it has experienced fighting drug trafficking, expects European states to actively participate by financially supporting Iran in its campaign against the ominous phenomenon. This can definitely help boost security in the international community.

On the other hand, terrorism is a world issue and international resolve is required to uproot this phenomenon. Iran and Spain can work together in implementing a global campaign led by the United Nations to that end. Tehran and Madrid should declare to the world that a U.S.-led campaign against terrorism without UN support would be futile. Spain can challenge U.S. hegemonic policies through the EU and encourage the world to oppose Washington's unilateral approaches.

Q: How can Iran and Spain cooperate in the cultural sphere? A: The two countries can use their cultural and historical affinities to further develop ties. The Spanish tourism industry is currently making good use of the historical heritage of the Islamic civilization that once ruled Spain. Therefore, Madrid can transfer its tourism know-how to Iran to help boost the Iranian tourism industry.