TEHRAN – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Thursday that Tehran welcomes expansion of relations with Athens in various spheres.

The two countries’ capacities has laid the grounds for deepening cooperation especially in economic area, Rouhani said.

Rouhani who met Tsipras on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York said a “new chapter” has been opened in Tehran-Athens ties. 

He highlighted the importance of strengthening banking relations between the two countries.

“Banking relations form the core of economic ties, and at the same time the two countries’ private sectors should be encouraged to cooperate and do joint ventures,” he noted.

Tsipras also said that Greece seeks to expand relations with Iran in various areas especially economic sphere.

He added that Athens seeks to be a “bridge” in Iran’s ties with Europe.

He also invited Rouhani to take a visit to Greece.

Rouhani was in New York to attend the annual UN General Assembly. He arrived in Tehran on Friday.

NA/PA