MNA – Portugal’s Secretary of State for Internationalization has expressed keenness on launching a direct flight from Lisbon to Tehran aimed at promoting tourism and trade ties between the two countries.


Portugal’s Secretary of State for Internationalization Jorge Costa Oliveira made the remarks in a meeting with head of Iran-Portugal Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mostafa Kavakebian, on Saturday in Lisbon.

During the meeting, the Portuguese official noted Iran’s commitment to recommendations by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), expressing hope for facilitation of banking transactions between the two countries.

Mostafa Kavakebian, who headed a delegation to Lisbon, highlighted the need for facilitation of banking relations and finalization of political and service visa waiver program between the two countries.

Back in April, the two sides signed a document on abolition of visas for those holding political or service passports in a meeting between Oliveira and Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary and Iranian Affairs Hassan Ghashghavi. The measure is considered a highly significant step toward further development of political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

Kavakebian went on to note FATF’s extension of freeze of restrictions on Iran, calling for further Tehran-Lisbon cooperation in the fields of agriculture, tourism, transport, renewable and fossil energies.