Iran Willing to Boost Cooperation with BRICS: President


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani underlined that the Islamic Republic is keen to further promote cooperation with the member countries of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

Speaking in a meeting with his Brazilian counterpart, Dilma Rousseff, in New York on Friday afternoon, President Rouhani emphasized that among the Latin American countries, Brazil has a “special status” in Iran’s view, adding that the two countries have always enjoyed good relations.

He further said that Tehran sees no obstacles in the way to expand ties with Brasilia in various spheres and that the two countries should make further efforts to implement the current bilateral agreements.  

The Islamic Republic of Iran is willing to promote cooperation with the BRICS, of which Brazil is an active member, Rouhani said.

He invited the Brazilian president to visit Iran and said the two countries can serve as a link between the Middle East and Latin America.

Rousseff, for her part, said the Brazil respects Iran’s great civilization and history, adding that there are many opportunities which should be utilized to deepen bilateral relations between the two countries in various areas of economy and culture. 

The remarks come against the backdrop of a new wave of renewed interest in ties with Iran after Tehran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) on July 14 reached a conclusion over the text of a comprehensive 159-page deal on Tehran's nuclear program.

The comprehensive nuclear deal between Iran and the six powers would terminate all nuclear-related sanctions imposed on Iran after coming into force.

Experts believe that Iran's economic growth would rise remarkably after the final nuclear deal takes effect.