TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Aegean Airlines SA, the largest Greek airline, on Thursday launched direct flights between Tehran and Athens, a senior official of the Imam Khomeini (RA) International Airport in Tehran announced.

Aegean Airlines started its flights between Tehran and Athens today, July 23, Mohammad Reza Heidarqoli, the director of Flight Planning and Coordination Department of the airport said.

"This is the first time the Greek company is operating (flights) in Iran," he said.

Three flights between the Iranian and Greek capitals are operated per week by Airbus A320s on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, Heidarqoli added.

In a meeting between the Iranian and Greek foreign ministers in Athens in May, the two sides had discussed the establishment of a direct flight route between Tehran and Athens.

The two sides also stressed the need for the expansion of economic relations between the two countries by stimulating bilateral trade in diverse fields.

Iran and Greece, known as popular tourist destinations for their rich histories, seem more willing to strengthen ties after Iranian President Hassan Rouhani took office in August 2013.

In April, when submitting his credentials to President Rouhani, Greece's new ambassador to Iran George Aifantis hailed Iran as an independent and influential country in the Middle East and Asia, saying Athens wants to be Tehran's "strategic" friend and partner.

By Tasnim News Agency