3 DFómh 2014, 12:11
The Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil, Seán Barrett TD, has completed an official visit to Iran, where he engaged with his counterpart, the Speaker of the Iranian national parliament, as well as other senior figures including the Iranian President, the Foreign Minister and the Minister for Information and Technology.
3 October 2014
Reflecting on the visit, Ceann Comhairle Barrett says: “At the invitation of HE Dr Ali Larijani, Speaker of the Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I have just completed four days of talks with senior politicians there in the company of the Irish Ambassador to Iran, HE Ken Thompson.
“I had the pleasure of being able to meet with the President of Iran; the Foreign Minister; the Minister for Information and Communications Technology and the Head for the Centre for Strategic Research as well as attending a session of Parliament.
“In all cases, I expressed the hope that discussions on the nuclear issue would be completed as soon as possible so as to allow Iran develop its natural resources in the interests of its population of 79 million.
“I also, of course, discussed the possibility of increasing trade between Iran and Ireland, especially in the areas of ICT; pharma industries and medical devices which are areas that are not subject to sanctions. These are areas that Ireland could satisfy a large proportion of Iran's needs.
“I left with the impression that Iran sees Ireland as a peaceful neutral country with a long tradition of peace keeping throughout the world and is anxious to do business with a country such as ours.
“I feel very confident that, under the Presidency of Dr Rouhani, Iran will develop its true potential and can play a major role in bringing about stability in the region.
“The programme also included, at the invitation of the Governor General, a visit to Isfahan - a region renowned for its cultural richness and also a major tourist destination.
“I had detailed discussions with the Governor General regarding our joint tourism interests.”
Ends
Media enquiries to:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie