Press Release: EU-Iran : Commission proposes mandate for negotiating Trade and Co-operation Agreement

The European Commission approved a proposal for negotiating directives for a Trade and Co-operation Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran on 19 November 2001. Given the relationship between the European Community and Iran a contractual basis will contribute to improvements in trade, business and investment conditions and to the country's efforts in economic liberalisation and deregulation. The Agreement will also strenghthen co-operation with Iran in key areas of mutual interest such as drugs, refugees, energy and the environment, and will facilitate regional co-operation.