Iran, Australia eager to boost parliamentary cooperation

The Islamic Republic of Iran and Australia have stressed the important role of parliamentary cooperation between the two countries in order to upgrade bilateral relations, AVA Diplomatic reports.In a meeting with the new Australian envoy to Tehran, Paul Foley, head of Iran-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mehdi Kouchakzadeh, pointed to the importance of parliament in the political structure of Iran and Australia and voiced readiness of the group to prepare the ground for expansion of diplomatic ties between Tehran and Canberra. He also described scientific, cultural, and trade cooperation as a basis for the enhancement of bilateral ties. “Great and influential countries should seek development and expansion of constructive interaction with other countries in line with national interests and mutual respect,” Kouchakzadeh stated. Foley, for his part, said the Australian government and parliament welcome the expansion of friendly relations and exchange of parliamentary delegations with Iran. He added that cooperation between the two countries in the fields of tourism, commerce, economy, science, and culture can help cement bilateral relations.