TEHRAN – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told the Hungarian Parliament speaker Laszlo Kover on Saturday that expanding ties with friendly countries, especially the European Union states, form the cornerstone of his government’s foreign policy.

Rouhani also said it is necessary that Iran and Hungary use the post-nuclear deal atmosphere to increase cooperation.

“The private sectors of the two countries should become more aware of the joint capacities and take steps in deepening cooperation,” the president explained.

Rouhani said Iran favors close cooperation with Hungary in areas of politics, economy, science and culture.

The two countries can also use the opportunity to share knowledge in nuclear industry, he added.

Rouhani also said terrorism has emerged as an international problem.

He also said it is essential to make efforts to restore security to Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Libya. 

“It is our humanitarian and international duty to send food and medical help to the people of these countries and help alleviate their sufferings,” he added.

For his part, Kover said that Hungary is ready to cooperate with Iran in fighting terrorism and restoring security to the crisis-stricken countries of Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya.

The top lawmaker also said that it is essential to expand cooperation between Tehran and Budapest.

Kover also said it is highly important to deepen ties in banking and energy spheres.

Iran, Hungary have common views on terrorism: Larijani

Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said on Saturday that Iran and Hungary share common views on how to tackle “the ugly phenomenon of terrorism”.

In a joint press conference with his Hungarian counterpart, Larijani also said he and Kover discussed ways to boost economic ties.

Kover said Hungary makes efforts to increase business ties with Iran.

NA/PA