February 18, The Iran Project � Finland Ambassador to Iran says 15 top Finnish companies are interested in developing ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Touching upon the achievements of Finland's President�Sauli Niinisto�s recent visit to Tehran, Harri Kamarainen said his visit has positively affected the two country�s resumption of cooperation.

He went on to say that the 15 top Finnish companies are willing to cooperate with Iran in wood industry.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Kamarainen also referred to the increasing number of Finnish tourists to Iran, and said the beautiful architecture of Isfahan and Persepolis as well as the cities located along the ancient Silk Road are attractive for Finnish tourists.

With the Trans-Asian Railway, the paths have been restored between countries and Iran is again becoming a heart between East and West or perhaps between North and South, Finland Ambassador to Tehran noted.

Moreover, answering�to the question of whether independent airlines will be established between Iran and Finland, he said the two countries are willing to establish direct flights and are negotiating the issue.

The two countries are also talking over launching railways, since this way of transportation is much better for the ecology and environment, he added.

Finland's President�Sauli Niinisto, accompanied by a high-ranking politico-economic delegation, among them representatives of major�Finish companies, recently visited Tehran, discussing bilateral ties especially on environment, business cooperation, and banking transactions.