MNA � Portugal�s Secretary of State for Internationalization has expressed keenness on launching a direct flight from Lisbon to Tehran aimed at promoting tourism and trade ties between the two countries.


Portugal�s Secretary of State for Internationalization Jorge Costa Oliveira made the remarks in a meeting with head of Iran-Portugal Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mostafa Kavakebian, on Saturday in Lisbon.

During the meeting, the Portuguese official noted Iran�s commitment to recommendations by the Financial Action Task Force�(FATF), expressing hope for facilitation of banking transactions between the two countries.

Mostafa Kavakebian, who headed a delegation to Lisbon, highlighted the need for facilitation of banking relations and finalization of political and service visa waiver program between the two countries.

Back in April, the two sides�signed a document�on abolition of visas for those holding political or service passports in a meeting between Oliveira and Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary and Iranian Affairs Hassan Ghashghavi. The measure is considered a highly significant step toward further development of political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

Kavakebian went on to note FATF�s extension of freeze of restrictions on Iran, calling for further Tehran-Lisbon cooperation in the fields of agriculture, tourism, transport, renewable and fossil energies.