The Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is currently in Iran on an official visit, in an effort to develop ties and a long-term action plan between the two countries in finances, technology, commerce, tourism and culture, among others.
With Iran exiting a financial and political embargo, Greece is aiming to capitalize on its traditional ties with Tehran and establish a permanent standing mechanism to formalize relations.
About 60 Greek business representatives have accompanied the Prime Minister to Iran, with a number of bilateral agreements expected to be signed on Monday. Deals on energy, in particular, are expected to be signed that will help Greece on its return to growth.
The Greek government estimates that Iran wants safe and reliable access to the Mediterranean and Balkans, something which Greece can provide as a bastion on stability in the region. Athens is also encouraged by the fact that Tehran has not raised any objections or suspicions over the trilateral agreements of Greece and Cyprus with Egypt and Israel.
Government sources has reported that Israel too has not made any negative comments on Greece developing ties with Iran, thus indicating PM Tsipras’ balanced and efficient diplomacy.
Meetings arranged for Monday
On Monday the Greek Prime Minister will meet with the influential politician, writer and former President of Iran Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani at 13:30, followed by a meeting with the current President of Iran Hassan Rouhani at 14:30.
PM Tsipras will later meet with the Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei at 15:30, while a meeting with the Chairman of the Parliament of Iran Ali Larijani will take place at 16:30. Later on, at 19:30, the Greek PM will meet with the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Ali Shamkhani.
