TEHRAN, Feb. 29 (MNA) � Iranian road minister has emphasized the need to boost Iran-South Korea relations via establishment of joint firms as well as long-term cooperation agreements.


Speaking at a meeting with South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Joo Hyunghwan in Tehran on Monday, Iran�s Minister of Road and Urban Development Abbas Akhundi noted the existence of numerous opportunities for boosting bilateral ties between the two countries asserting �undoubtedly, South Koreans have conducted research studies on Iran�s market while they need to accelerate efforts since many foreign companies are competing over the Iranian market.�

�In my previous visit to South Korea, long-term relations between the two sides were highlighted and currently we are seeking knowledge transfer to Iran,� underlined Akhundi.

Road minister stressed the importance of project financing adding �nothing can be done without a defined financing model; establishment of joint companies would be a positive measure since we are after long-term ties and investment firms.�

Calling for the participation of the two sides in various industries, the official said �we keep an eye on the field of transportation including rail, seam air and road sectors as well as public affairs like construction of hospitals and stadiums.�

Akhundi also stressed the need to reach a common understanding over discussed issues commenting �some negotiations have been held with Italians over railroad transport while South Koreans can define a project in order to take part in the field.�

He voiced the country�s intention to optimize the rail route from Iran�s Bandar Abbas to Turkmenistan�s Sarakhs as one of the most important Rail freight corridors; �Iran is ready to provide willing countries with necessary information for conducting studies over the project.�

Referring to tourism industry, Iran�s Akhundi commented �South Korea is encouraged to introduce eager countries in the areas of tourism and hospitality.�

Iran�s road minister further stated that �talks are underway with the South Korean side on development of rail transport systems in major cities like Tehran and Mashhad.�

�A comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) needs to be reached taking into account both administrative and financial aspects of development of Iran�s transportation system,� he concluded.

By Mehr News Agency