TEHRAN (ecoideal)- Portugal's Secretary of State for Internationalization Jorge Costa Oliveira expressed keenness on launching direct flights from Lisbon to Tehran.
"Direct flights aim to promote tourism and trade ties between the two countries," Oliveira said in a meeting with Head of Iran-Portugal Parliamentary Friendship Group Mustafa Kavakebian in Lisbon on Saturday.
During the meeting, the Portuguese official noted Iran’s commitment to recommendations by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and expressed hope for facilitation of banking transactions between the two countries.
Kavakebian, for his part, highlighted the need for facilitation of banking relations and finalization of political and service visa waiver program between the two countries.
Back in April, the two sides signed a document on abolition of visas for those holding political or service passports in a meeting between Oliveira and Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary and Iranian Affairs Hassan Qashghavi.
Kavakebian underlined FATF’s extension of freeze of restrictions on Iran, and called for further Tehran-Lisbon cooperation in the fields of agriculture, tourism, transport, renewable and fossil energies.
In a relevant development in late April, Iran and Portugal signed a document on the abolition of visas for those holding political or service passports.
The document was signed by Qashqavi and Oliveira in a meeting in Tehran.
During the meeting, the Portuguese official highlighted many fields for expansion of political, economic and cultural cooperation with Iran, expressing his country’s readiness to make every effort in this regard.
Qashqavi, for his part, voiced his satisfaction at the signing of the document on the abolition of visas for holders of political and service passports, and warmly welcomed the expansion of bilateral ties in all areas.
He also stressed Tehran’s keen interest in furthering cooperation with Lisbon in trade, tourism, academic and parliamentary fields.
The measure is considered a highly significant step toward further development of political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries.
The Iranian official further noted that the abolition of visa with Portugal as a Schengen Area member state is an effective measure in bringing the two countries closer than ever and increasing mutual transactions.
Source: Farsnews