The Norwegian Ambassador in Iran asked for increasing economic and exhibition cooperation with Iran at Expo 2020 and International Exhibitions.

According to the reporting by the Public Relations and International Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran International Exhibitions Company, in this cordial meeting, which was attended by Advisor to the Minister of Industry - Mines and Trade, Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of the I.R.IRAN International Exhibitions Company, Dr. Hassan Zamani, and the Norwegian Ambassador, Mr. Sigvald Hauge; the two sides emphasized the need to expand bilateral relations.

In this meeting, Dr. Zamani welcomed the distinguished guest and called the improvement of the quality of relations between the two countries and expressed to hope that the trade cooperation between Iran and Norway will be develop by the international relations improvement of our country in the global arena and good economic & trade relations between two countries to be established. He also referred to the long & good relations between Iran and Norway and said holding international and specialized exhibitions with the participation of the two countries and the signing of cooperation agreements (MOU) as among the goals that can be effective in expanding trade relations.

Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of the I.R.IRAN International Exhibitions Company also pointed out that, due to the high capabilities of the two countries in the field of shipping, oil and energy; good cooperation can be established in these fields. He also stated that, Iranian slogan at Expo 2020 Dubai is "Iran is an ancient and stable civilization, diversity of ethnic groups and hosts of the nations" therefore he asked the Norwegian ambassador to attend the National Day of Iran at Expo 2020 and said that we will try to participate in the Norwegian National Day ceremony at the Dubai Expo to use the atmosphere of friendship which will created in the pavilion of the two countries jointly and optimally.

Adviser to the Minister of Industry - Mines and Trade further acknowledged that many cultural programs are planned for the Iranian pavilion at the Dubai Expo, which we can hold some of them jointly with Norway and increase the level of mutual cooperation through more meetings.

The Norwegian Ambassador, Mr. Sigvald Hauge also thanked and appreciated for holding and convening this meeting and said: "Due to the sanctions imposed on Iran in the international community, despite Norway lack of support for these sanctions which were imposed by the USA; the level of relations between the two countries has decreased unfortunately. We hope that by finishing the international negotiations, we will see better conditions for Iran and as a result, the relations between the two countries will increase in various fields."

He also stated that, Norway knew that Iran has a large pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, so; he asked for cooperation with our country and held meetings between officials and businessmen of the two countries on the sidelines of the World Expo event. The Norwegian ambassador in IRAN also noted that the subject of his country pavilion at the Expo is about oceans and shipping, also both Iran and Norway have high potentials in these fields, as well as oil and energy issues, so, they can make good cooperation with each other in these fields.

It is noteworthy that, Mr. Sigvald Hauge also invited the Iranian officials to attend the Norwegian National Day ceremony, which will be held on February 23^rd and asked for holding more meetings between officials of the two countries to make better use of the golden opportunities of this global Expo event.

*Translated by: A.R Shafie