Iranʼs Trade attaché Casts Hungary as Gateway to EU Market

Iran's commercial attaché in Hungary described the central European state as a gateway to the EU market that plays a crucial role in the economic interconnection of the eastern and western part of the continent.

Hassan Argi made the statement in a ceremony held in the Hungarian capital of Budapest on the occasion of the centennial celebrations of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“Trade between Hungary and Iran is of particular importance. As a member of the European Union, Hungary plays a significant role in economic relations between the east and west of the continent. This country can be considered a gateway to the EU market, especially given its geographical location and economic ties with Iran,” Argi said.

“Furthermore, economic cooperation between Iran and Hungary continues through the only country whose joint economic commission with Iran has remained active in the European Union, which demonstrates the strategic importance of these relations for both countries. In early 2024, this commission held its meetings in Tehran, and we hope that the conditions for holding it in 2025 will also be provided.”

The Iranian commercial attaché underlined that Hungary is the only EU member state with which Iran's joint economic commission is active within the European Union and “this holds special significance for the long-term development of economic relations between Iran and the EU.”

Argi said the last meeting of the commission was held in early 2024, and he hopes such sessions will reconvene in 2025.

Budai Lóránt, the mayor of Jászberény, who attended the ceremony in Budapest, pointed to the critical situation in the region and expressed sympathy with the people of Iran regarding the recent Israeli war of aggression on the Islamic Republic.

“Participation in joint programs, especially in the areas of trade and culture, can help form deeper and multifaceted relations between the two nations,” Lóránt said.

The mayor emphasized that the presence of his city's reputable holding company, as per arrangements made, at the Iran Expo 2025 in Tehran, which was held to commemorate the anniversary of diplomatic relations and following recent interactions between Yazd and Jászberény, is considered a successful example of private sector cooperation within the framework of urban diplomacy. - Iran Daily