Tehran, Dec 20, IRNA – President Hassan Rouhani referred to recent resolution of the Board of Governors of IAEA and said it shows that Iran's nuclear program has always been peaceful and that Tehran is committed to its international obligations.


According to the Presidential Office website on Sunday, President Rouhani made the remarks in a meeting with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov here and added that conditions for development of ties between Iran with European Union, especially Bulgaria are ready.

Having rich energy resources, 80 million populations, he added, Iran's important position in the region and appropriate economic situation after lifting sanctions prepared suitable grounds for development of relations between Tehran and Sofia.

Rouhani said Bulgaria as a friendly country and as a gateway to EU could be an important connection route for Iran and countries of the region for European Union.

'Moreover, Bulgaria and EU can be connected to Oman Sea and Indian Ocean through Iran,' he added.

Referring to the sensitivity of regional developments, especially Syria, President Rouhani said that current situation in the region is worrisome and that all countries should try, as their duty, to fight against terrorism and restore peace and stability in the region.

Rouhani underlined that protection of territorial integrity and respect for geographical borders of countries has a great deal of importance for Iran, because tension along borders of the countries may create instability in the region.

Mitov conveyed greetings of Bulgarian president and prime minister to President Rouhani and said that Iran has an important role, not only in the region, but also in the world and that Sofia intends to develop its relations with Tehran in all areas.

Stressing using capacities of both countries to develop bilateral relations, Mitov underlined cooperation in the field of energy.

The Bulgarian foreign minister also referred to Iran's constructive role in regional developments and necessity of the fight against terrorism saying that Bulgaria supported Iran's presence in Vienna talks and evaluated it positive and very constructive as Bulgaria believes everybody should help to eliminate the problem in Syria.

He said that the fight against terrorism, maintaining territorial integrity of Syria and holding national election are among priorities of Bulgaria concerning Syria.

Concerning religious followers and different ethnicities in Iran and their peaceful life together, Mitov said that Iran could be a suitable example for other countries in the field of co-existence of religions and ethnicities.

Mitov arrived in Tehran on Sunday and delivered a speech for students and professors of International Relations School of Foreign Ministry and said that confrontation with ISIS is a priority for Bulgaria.

Bulgaria joined North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in year 2004 and in 2007 joined European Union.

By IRNA