IRNA � Iran is one of the safest countries in the world, Austrian envoy to Tehran said, adding that a prestigious British research institute also verified it.


Stefan Scholz made the remarks in a meeting with Hamedan Governor Saeed Shahrokhi.

Austria is chairing the rotary presidency of the EU, he said, noting that Austria is determined to boost cooperation with Iran.

Referring to the 700-year relations between Iran and Austria, Scholz said Hamedan is playing pivotal role in maintaining ties.

The trip to Hamedan is aimed at starting cooperation in tourism, industrial, cultural, agricultural and economic fields, he said.

Accountability and morality are two important goals strengthening the balance between cooperation, he noted.

We want to provide cooperation between Austria and Hamedan, Scholz said.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Austrian envoy pointed to the cooperation between Vian Steel Complex and Austria, saying we want to maintain ties based on economy and investment.

He also stressed setting up economic enterprises and maintaining ties in this field.

Scholz went on to say that 97 percent of Austria's economic enterprises are small- and medium-sized.

Austrian envoy hailed cooperation in agricultural field, especially making renewable energies.

Earlier a Bulgarian company had established cooperation with Hamedan in the new energies field.

He also welcomed Hamedan's hosting European film festivals.