In a Wednesday phone conversation with his Bulgarian counterpart Rosen Plevneliev, Rouhani said the recent implementation of the JCPOA (the nuclear deal) has prepared the grounds for improvement of Iran’s ties with the European Union’s member countries, including Bulgaria, in economic, cultural, and political fields.
“Iran is interested in expanding its economic and cultural cooperation with Bulgaria, and welcomes the presence and participation of Bulgarian entrepreneurs and investors in the country’s projects,” President Rouhani said.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always considered Bulgaria as one of its friends in the EU,” he said, appreciating his counterpart’s congratulation extended to Iran on the JCPOA implementation.
He also pointed to Plevneliev’s invitation for him to visit Sofia, and expressed the hope that the visit would be made in an appropriate time.
Plevneliev, who had initiated the phone call, said for his part that Bulgaria is keen to enhance its ties with Iran in different areas.
“We are ready to provide best conditions and facilities for Iranians in Bulgaria, and we are especially interested in reinforcing our trade and cultural ties with Tehran,” he added.
“Next year, we are going to officially celebrate the 120th anniversary of the beginning of Iran-Bulgaria official ties, which have always been based on friendship and mutual trust,” Plevneliev said.
The phone call came a couple of days after Foreign Minister Zarif and European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini announced in a joint statement on Saturday that the implementation of the nuclear deal finalized by Tehran and world powers back in July 2015 has officially been started.