“There Are Positive Potentials for Iran to Improve Ties with the West,” Believes Denmark’s Ambassador.

Denmark’s ambassador to Iran appears to be an active politician who managed to take the relations between Iran and Denmark to a whole new level. Definitely, his time in Iran’s neighboring countries has given him an enlightened vision toward the existing cultural potentials in Iran, hence leading to acting as a bridge to strengthen ties between Tehran and Copenhagen. To delve deeper in the two countries’ potentials, we proudly held an interview with Mr. Anders Christian Hougaard.

An Exclusive Interview with Denmark’s Ambassador in Tehran,

Anders Christian Hougaard, by AVA Diplomatic

Interview by Mohammadreza Nazari

With your permission, I would like to hotwire the interview taking a look at your diplomatic background; where had you served before coming to Iran?

I am a graduate of Harvard Law School in the United States. In 1994, I began my diplomatic career as first secretary at the Danish Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Also, for many years, I served in Saint Petersburg and Moscow in Russia. My first ambassadorial posting was in Pakistan from 2008 to 2010, and then I came to Iran.

Which field of law was your main major of study?

The one that I studied in Denmark was specifically about the country’s constitution. But when at Harvard, I proceeded with international law.

Had you travelled to Iran before 2010?

Never, and in 2010 was my first time as Ambassador.

Considering you having been a Danish citizen in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. and also Russia, what was your image of Iran in the beginning? How different was it from now?

There is a rather general perception about the Middle East in Denmark, and people do not get too specific about it. But, apart from law, I also studied contemporary Middle East studies. When I first came here, I came with a lot of expectations, since Iran is a huge and important country, and the relationship between our two countries is deep-rooted.

As you may know, some European citizens cannot tell Iran from Iraq! What did you think of Iran before coming here?

I expected to enter a magnificent place as many in Denmark fret about Shiraz, Esfahan and Iranians’ hospitality. Also, many Iranians do live in Denmark with whom I had the chance to meet and talk about Iran. That is why I was pretty well-prepared, when I came here.

Were you not worried about coming to Iran despite all the negative impressions existing against Iran?

No. I was realistic enough about Iran, aware of its Islamic atmosphere, and I had studied about Middle Eastern people to some extent. If to be shocked, it would be in a positive way. I am so happy that I am here. However, there are Danes who do not have a clear picture of Iran, but when they come here, meet the hospitality of your fellow citizens, and see the beauty of your country, they change their mind and become quite satisfied with their stay.

Once, an ambassador from one of the European countries told me that should we intend to introduce the real picture of Iran to the world, we should draw the attention of European tourists to see Tehran. Do you have any specific plan to bring Danish tourists to Iran?

Danish tourists do travel to Iran individually, as well as in organized groups. But I believe what Iran’s government can do is to change the circumstances in order to heighten the interactions between the people of both countries such as letting more media visiting Iran and let more students study here. Such measures can form a more exact and better depiction of Iran.

You spoke of a change in circumstances; what do you exactly mean by circumstances?

For instance, not to be too restrictive, when it comes to issuing visas for journalists.

Did you say that due to any specific happening of such an incident?

Yes, many times. Generally, Western journalists should more easily be able to travel to Iran and provide news coverage from here. Also, more students, scholars and researches should be given the chance to enter Iran.

Do you provide better circumstances for Iranian Journalists to visit your country as Denmark’s Ambassador?

Since the very beginning, Iranian journalists could easily obtain visas. I do not see any problem standing in their way, and my country welcomes all journalists.

But there had not been many journalists who took a trip to Denmark.

We are ready to offer them a more comfortable environment. My Foreign Ministry has plans to introduce better conditions for foreign reporters and journalists.

Is there any potential for Iranian reporters to meet Denmark’s MPs? Thus far, some European MPs have had interviews with AVA Diplomatic.

For us, too, this is a serious matter, and that is why we formed the parliamentary friendship group of Denmark-Iran. Denmark’s Committee of Foreign Policy travelled to Iran in 2009 and met with H.E., Mr. Allaeddin Boroujerdi, the Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Policy and National Security. As you can see, Denmark is persistently seeking to have extensive parliamentarian contacts with Iran.

As Denmark’s Ambassador, what are the most significant aspects of economy on which the two countries can collaborate in your opinion?

The export from Denmark to Iran is of a considerable quantity. It may not be compared to bigger countries, but Iran is still Denmark’s second biggest market in this region, esp. in terms of medical products and different machinery. Our bilateral trade much went down because of sanctions; but we hope that after the nuclear agreement and lifting the sanctions, we can be back on track and enhance our commercial relations with Iran once again. Unfortunately, Iran’s export to Denmark is very limited, and I hope Iranian companies can do better in this regard.

What has been the most sought-after product exported by Iran to Denmark?

Carpets, rugs, pistachios and dried fruits. The import rate of the foresaid has been very low, though, and I hope that Iranian merchants can export more to Denmark in the future.

Do you have a specific record of how much the trade has been between the two countries in 2013?

Export, not more than around 120 Mio. USD. I do not know the figure of Denmark’s import from Iran, but it is very low.

What special areas of Iran can you think of in which Denmark can invest?

Most of the Danish companies have been collaborating with their Iranian partners from the past, esp. in the field of medical products. One should note that Iran is sanctioned now, and as a result there are limitations in how to trade with your country. But circumstances will hopefully improve in the future.

Which areas do you think will be improved after lifting of sanctions?

There are various and extensive fields for investments, yet the only problem are with the sanctions.

A part of Iran’s embargoed properties was freed after the Geneva Agreement along with a minor proportion of sanctions. Could that be a suitable opportunity to boost trades between Iran and Denmark?

Well, it depends on Iran’s capability of working out the nuclear case, and I believe President Rouhani must give priority to this matter.

French merchants came to Iran, and some companies such as Peugeot and Renault are trying to increase their profits in Iran’s market. Denmark was expected to boost its activities, too!

Danish enterprises have for long been active in Iran, and still are. But due to sanctions, the trade has been significantly reduced. We hope that Iran can deal with its nuclear case soon enough to improve chances for further activities.

Iranian people were strongly hit by the sanctions, esp. in terms of their medical needs, medicine to be specific. Considering the initial economic openings between Iran and the U.S., is there any hope for increased potentials between Iran and Europe, esp. Denmark?

There is a joint plan for these measures, but we should wait for the final solutions to Iran’s nuclear case, and it depends on whether or not Iran can find a way to settle this problem.

Do you mean economic ties are knotted based on political relations with Denmark?

As much as economic ties are improved, so are the political interactions. There seems to be no limitations here.

Personality-wise, you have a very positive and poised character with whom one can connect in a friendly manner, and that is why I think of you as the right person to enhance the relations between the two countries; what are your plans for the fields of culture?

The 80^th Anniversary of Iran-Denmark friendship agreement and opening of a Danish Embassy in Tehran play a pivotal role in extending cultural ties between our two countries. Also, I can point to a Danish film which took part in Fajr Movie Festival, as well as the poster exhibition of a Danish artist, Finn Nygaard, due to be held in May at Imam Ali Museum.

Have you planned on further occasions to familiarize Iranian people with Denmark’s culture?

Not for now. As you can notice, Denmark’s embassy is very small, and we do not have a cultural section to operate separately. But many Iranians live in Denmark, and also many Danish people travel to Iran. .

Did you know that for the past 50 years, Iran used Danish train wagons?

Yes, and in relation to the 80^th Anniversary, I just mentioned, a workshop dealt with the construction of the Trans-Iranian Railway and the Kampsax activities in Iran 1933-78. Another part of our celebrations dealt with the most famous Danish Iranalogist, Arthur Christensen.

You had a trip to the holy city of Qom. Usually, those who go to Qom and visit the holy shrine of Masuma – Greetings be upon her – educate in philosophy, theology or cultural studies. What interested you there considering your law-related education?

You should look at it from the angle that visiting different regions and provinces of the country where you serve, is a must for an ambassador. I have visited Mashhad, Kerman, Shiraz and other places, and because Qom is one of the most important cities in Iran, I went there, and I had a tour at the Mofid University as well.

I agree that places like Imam Reza Holy Shrine or that of Hazrat Masuma are both architecturally and stylistically beautiful.

I fully agree with you.

For other foreign ambassadors in Iran, Esfahan and Yazd are more eye-catching. Have you gone to Yazd yet?

Not yet. I have seen other fantastic places like Kerman, Chabahar, Mashhad and Zahedan.

Why do you think Esfahan draws that much attention from diplomats? What is so special in there?

Since it is one of the best kept cities in Iran, and where you can see spectacular buildings which are UNESCO protected.

You went to the Holy Shrine of Hazrat Masuma in Qom which is a holy place for the Shiite; do you remember any interesting point about it?

Qom has a special meaning to the Iranian people and I very much like to have had a close look at it.

Do you go on trips by your own car?

I do not drive myself. From time to time, I take the subway, as traffic jams and congestions are major problems in Tehran.

How do people treat you as a foreigner when you take the subway?

They are very hospitable and make good connections.

Do you remember any special memory from one of them?

At the first look, people would like to know more about Europe and Denmark.

How do you talk to people while you do not speak Farsi?

I speak English with them.

How many Iranians do live in Denmark?

There is no exact figure, but their number is around 20 thousand.

Did most of them immigrate to Denmark after the Revolution?

Yes, they did.

In Denmark, 2001, the right-wing party of people took the power after which the immigrants faced some problems inside the country.

It was not quite like that, as Denmark is normally governed by a coalition of political parties.

True that the power exists in the form of a coalition, but the rightists are pretty much strong in the Parliament and opposed the increase of immigrants in Denmark. Are there still severe laws for immigration in Denmark?

I do not agree with you there, because many foreigners visit Denmark. We have a green card program, too. I do not see any particular problems in Denmark concerning immigrants. We have an open and transparent society, and welcome whoever comes to our country.

How much of Denmark’s population is consisted by immigrants?

That is very complicated to calculate! It depends on how you define immigrants.

I was referring to those who came to Denmark during the last 50 years.

There is no simple answer to that question, and a single number will not do. For example, those who travel to Denmark and stay can be granted Danish citizenship and are not called immigrants anymore.

Countries which host immigrants like Canada or Australia enjoy a variety of cultures which, of course, has its pros and cons. Does Denmark face these pros and cons, too?

Yes, and I do not see any problem in particular.

Denmark’s foreign policy follows a détente approach. What are the priorities Denmark’s foreign policy pursues?

Denmark is a very active member of the European Union and the United Nations. One of Denmark’s most recent initiatives was together with Norway to take part in the removal of chemical weapons from Syria.

Denmark’s détente approach is a considerable point. For example, there were grave consequences after publishing insulting caricatures in Denmark and some of its embassies were attacked in some countries. But Denmark handled the matter quite delicately and managed to settle the dispute. I would like to know how Denmark could get rid of those tensions, while even the U.S. does not possess such a capability.

Those caricatures is yesterday’s news and no longer important. During my four years in Iran, I have not witnessed any uncalled for sensitivity in this regard, and there are no hard feelings between Iran and Denmark.

After Japan, Denmark is the second oldest country ruled by monarchy, which has deepest roots, of course.

Yes. As far as I know, Denmark has one of the oldest monarchies in the world, originating more than 1000 years back.

Has Denmark’s monarchy affected democracy in this country?

Constitutional monarchy is now ruling Denmark which means that the role of the Queen is mainly ceremonial.

How has Denmark managed to dispose of power plays and establishing such equilibrium, because Kings are always expected to extend their realms constantly?

The constitution has been written in consideration of the people’s will and needs. We have never undergone any difficulty in this regard. .

When was the last time Denmark’s constitution was modified?

It goes back to 1953.

Are you referring to a constitutional kingship?

It is better to call it constitutional monarchy.

Allow me to have your vision enlighten me as a European diplomat by hearing your answer to one question; how much do you think President Rouhani’s détente approach will be effective toward the West?

There have been positive changes after President Rouahani took office, and we hope it will have positive consequences, too. That is why I am so optimistic toward this matter.

There is a heated debate about Iran’s lack of trust toward the West, esp. the U.S.; what are the essential measures to be taken to settle this trust issue in your opinion?

I do not find it correct to say Iranians have negative views concerning the West and the U.S., because what I saw on my arrival here was quite the opposite.

So, what is the real deal here?

The truth is that there is a basis for extending ties between Iran and the West, esp. after President Rouhani took office. His political approach is more practical, and it can result in positive developments.

So you say that there is no negative attitude toward the U.S. in Iran?

My answer to this question is somehow similar to the previous one, because Mr. Rouhani can take positive steps in this regard. Based on what I experienced and saw, there is no negative attitude, neither among ordinary Iranians nor in the government toward developing ties with the West.

So why did some political parties oppose Rouhani’s phone call with Obama?

A part of this is political and tactical. And of course, there are different approaches and opinions, but that is how democracy works. It shows that people are at ease, when it comes to expressing their true opinion.

A while ago, Senator McCain said that he would not be surprised if President Obama travels to Tehran. Do have the same opinion?

I do not have any specific information about what is being said in other countries.

What security measures can Iran and Denmark take to bring peace to the region?

Denmark is supporting the UN when it comes to fighting drugs in the region, and we are assisting the UNHCR in dealing with Afghan refugees.

Would you mind if I ask you an economic question?

No, not at all.

In Iran, the plan for subsidy distribution was cooked up and put into practice, which meant to give the money directly to the people. This measure led to unwanted inflation in the country. What interests me is that in Denmark, the same plan is being carried out, but there is no ensuing inflation. As far as I am informed, the parents of every under-18 person receive a quarterly money in their accounts; why does it not cause any inflation in Denmark?

First and foremost, it is a pale comparison to put Denmark’s economy and Iran’s on the same scale. Internal policies are not what an ambassador can comment on; that is why I cannot talk about Mr. Ahmadinejad’s and Mr. Rouhani’s policies. Denmark has a stable economy and is now a member of the European Union. At the moment, we worry more about recession rather than inflation. So, it not right to compare our two countries in this context..

In Iran we went through both recession and inflation.

Yes, but I cannot comment on it.

The increase in cash flow usually hits the country with inflation; but we find it impressive that in Denmark money is in people’s hands and there is no inflation.

I agree, but as I said, our two countries are incomparable.

Can you explain Denmark’s circumstances in accordance with economics?

It may be true that Denmark enjoys financial stability, but this does not mean that we do not have our financial ups and downs.

Like what?

I referred to some of them, yet there are grave concerns about environmental issues.

But of all European countries, Denmark was not troubled by Europe’s economic depression.

We were involved, too. But we were not damaged that severely.

Denmark did not share its valuable currency with the weak currencies of other European countries; is that why Denmark remained immune against the financial crisis?

That is partly true as Denmark is not a member of the Euro zone. But, we are an EU member and must contribute to other crisis-hit countries, although we try to maintain stability of our economy.

Does Denmark contribute to the E.U.’s conducive acts to other countries, too?

Yes. As I said before, as an E.U. member we should be a part of such acts.

I guess Denmark has withdrawn its troops from Afghanistan, has it not?

Yes. Our military forces are no longer fighting in the region; but training forces are still deployed there.

Denmark has announced that should Afghanistan not sign the security treaty with the U.S., it will withdraw its forces from the region?

I cannot comment on this issue.

That was what the Afghan press had talked about.

That is more related to NATO, but Denmark pursue also own plans in Afghanistan.

Is the plan for Denmark’s backup forces conditional or not?

That is for the Parliament to answer, and is not predetermined at all.