Swiss President Alain Berset said Tue. that his country wishes to continue financial transactions with Iran, at least for essential products, given the current obstacles hindering the two countries’ trade ties.

Switzerland’s President Alain Berset made the remarks in a joint trade forum with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani held in Bern on Tuesday, adding “there is potential to expand cooperation with Iran in the fields of pharmaceuticals and foodstuff.”

He went on to highlight the importance of Iran-Switzerland’s roadmap of cooperation in terms of scientific and research interactions, as well as economic relations, due to the European country’s lack of access to sea and shortage of natural resources.

President Berset said Switzerland is happy to see Iran’s vast investment in science and research, adding “publication of scientific papers, particularly in technical fields, has had a remarkable increase, which demands further interaction between the researchers and universities of the two countries.”

He also noted that a number of agreements and declarations of intent will be signed in the areas of science, road transport and healthcare.

“Iran and Switzerland’s relations are based on solid foundations and have withstood many hardships,” he said, adding “given the process of globalization and economic and political changes, holding dialogs will be in the interest of all.”

/SR