First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Pusić received on inaugural visit the new ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Ebrahim Taherian Fard.
The ambassador said that Iran’s foreign policy was oriented towards resolving international issues, notably those concerning its neighbouring countries. Speaking of Afghanistan, he was hopeful a solution would be found that would satisfy all sides. Iran is very much interested in intensifying the economic relations with Croatia, Fard said, adding that the private sector needed to be more strongly involved. He said Iran was interested in finding new consumers on the global market, namely Europe, for its rich gas supplies. He also noted that the talks in Vienna were an opportunity for dialogue.
Fard expressed satisfaction with the status of the Islamic community in Croatia, saying it could serve as an example to other countries.
Speaking about the state of affairs in the region, Pusić outlined Croatia’s activities in assisting the neighbouring countries along their EU path, pointing out that this did not mean we advocated the lowering of criteria, but wanted each Southeast European country to get a realistic chance of joining the EU by implementing reforms and meeting the criteria.