Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says Iran is a reliable trade partner for Italy and other European countries.

“Iran and Italy are two very important countries that have long-standing cultural relations and numerous commonalities,” IRNA quoted Salehi as saying during a meeting with new Italian Ambassador to Iran Luca Giansanti on Tuesday.

Giansanti described Iran as a key country in terms of strategic, regional and energy status.

Referring to the mutual cooperation and the considerable trade volume between Iran and Italy, the Italian ambassador expressed hope that bilateral ties would be expanded in the future.

Giansanti replaced Alberto Bradanini, who had held the post for four years.
irna/281