TEHRAN: Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani says the Islamic Republic and Cyprus have always maintained cordial relations and will further develop their ties in all areas. “Given Cyprus’s geographical position and it being the closest member country of the European Union to Iran, the relations between Iran and Cyprus have always been intimate,” Larijani said in a joint press conference with President of the Cypriot House of Representatives Demetris Syllouris in Tehran on Sunday. He added that during earlier talks with Syllouris, the ongoing crises in the region and ways to fight terrorist groups were discussed.
The two sides exchanged views about the expansion of banking cooperation to facilitate the dealings of Iranian and Cypriot tradesmen, Larijani said and added that Nicosia is resolute to remove all obstacles in this regard. “It is important for us that relations between Iran and Cyprus grow in all aspects of cultural, economic, scientific and political sectors,” the top Iranian parliamentarian said. He added that he had held “positive” negotiations with Syllouris and expressed hope that the Cypriot official’s visit to Tehran would bear favorable results.
‘Region needs broad support for peace establishment’ For his part, the president of the Cypriot House of Representatives said the region needs massive support for the establishment of peace and security and this would not be achieved through military approaches or terrorist moves. He added that his talks with Larijani were a positive move to bolster mutual relations in political, economic and cultural sectors, improve cooperation between Iran and the EU and promote regional peace and security. Syllouris arrived in Tehran on Sunday on a three-day visit at the invitation of the Iranian Parliament speaker. He also plans to hold talks with other senior Iranian officials.
