The EU is committed to increasing trade relations with Iran

European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, today expressed the commitment of the European Union (EU) to increase trade relations with Iran despite the current situation of uncertainty created by the United States.

Tehran, Nov 11 (EFE) .- The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, today expressed the commitment of the European Union (EU) to increase trade relations with Iran despite the current situation of uncertainty created by the United States.

Hogan assured at a press conference in Tehran that the "high level mission" that he heads these days in Iran, composed of more than 40 European companies in the agricultural sector, it demonstrates this commitment.

"We want to do business and we are open to doing business with Iran," he said when asked. for the possible repercussions of the threats by US President Donald Trump to abandon the nuclear agreement signed in 2015 between Tehran and six major powers if it is not modified.

In this regard, the European Commissioner stressed that the EU does not want to renegotiate or reopen this case and is trying to convince the US to respect the pact, which limits the atomic program of Tehran in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.

"The EU is fully committed to the implementation of the nuclear agreement and we are also committed to a future collaboration in the economic and agricultural spheres, "added Hogan, the first European Commissioner of Agriculture to visit Iran.

Hogan insisted in which his visit to Tehran is "a demonstration" that the EU wants to "deepen relations with Iran not only at the political but also the economic level" and pointed out that European companies They have not shown any fear of undertaking business in this country.

Bilateral trade reached 10,000 million euros this year and, according to the commissioner, the objective is to "normalize trade relations with Iran "and that these are as they were two decades ago.

Therefore, he said that the EU is" committed to streamline the process of removing obstacles to exports from Iran. "

" In agriculture we can do much together if we harmonize our standards, our food quality standards and certifications, "he said.

Hogan He described the meetings held in this day as "successful and productive" and stressed that it was the "biggest business meeting" between the EU and Iran since the mission resumed European diplomatic in the Islamic Republic two years ago with the end of sanctions.

A bilateral agricultural forum was inaugurated today, with the assistance of some 300 people, while Meetings will take place between European and Iranian companies until the 13th.

The Iranian products that are intended to facilitate access to the European market are pistachios, saffron, trout and ostrich, while Europe seeks to export meat products, cheese, eggs, cereals, olive oil, fruits and vegetables.

On this day two Memoranda of Understanding with Iran, one of them by the European Dairy Association and the other by France in the field of seeds.

In addition, Hogan met with the first Vice President Iranian, Eshaq Yahanguiri, and with the ministers of Agriculture, Mahmud Hoyatí, and Health, Hasan Qazizadeh Hashemí.

Yahanguirí told the commissioner that Tehran expects European countries "strongly resist the parties that intend to violate the nuclear agreement", alluding to the US, and to support companies that want to do business with Iran.

The first vice president He also called for a higher level of banking cooperation and the opening of an EU office in Tehran to develop relations.

The EU is the fifth largest trading partner of Iran, whose Exports to Europe increased by 344.8% in 2016 and its imports by 27.8% thanks to the implementation of the nuclear agreement.