Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications

Bulgaria and Iran discussed the bilateral relations during the 16^th session of the Iranian - Bulgarian mixed economic commission. It took place on May12 - 14, 2008 in the capital city of the Islamic Republic Iran - Teheran. The main topic of the talks was the cooperation between the two countries in the oil and gas industry, transport, tourism, Information technology, agriculture and commerce.

The Minister of transport Peter Mutafchiev as a co-chairman of the commission from Bulgarian side reported that Bulgaria considers Iran as an important Asiatic partner and that the membership of our country in the EU is a good prerequisite for the expansion of the relations between the two countries.

The Iranian Minister of Roads and Transport Mohammad Rahmati has emphasized that the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic is based on a mutual respect and development of the relations with the other countries. He also said that Bulgaria has a special place in the Iranian foreign policy and that he expects the accomplished sessions to give a fruitful results, which to support the activation of the bilateral economic relations. Rahmati expressed his hope for accelerated development of the relations between Teheran and Sofia in the field of air-, road-, and railway transport. Minister Rahmati also made a proposal the Bulgarian - Iranian sessions to be carried out annually.

The expectations are that during the day agreements in the field of the air transport, as well as an agreement regarding the double taxation and the increase of the mutual investments will be signed.

The program of Minister Mutafchiev foresees also a meeting with the First Vice President of Iran Parviz Davudi, as well as with the Vice President Esfandyar Rahim Moshaei.

For additional information:
Vera Deianova, Press Centre,
Ministry of Transport
Phone: 940 95 34
E-Mail: vdeianova@mt.government.bg