Hungary sees Iran as a “defining force” in its region, and will continue to strengthen bilateral economic ties, the ministry cited Varga as saying. Hungarian companies Evopro, Enexio and bus manufacturing firm Ikarus have signed cooperation agreements with Iranian partners, Varga noted.

Varga suggested that a direct airline between the countries’ capitals should be launched.

The Hungarian Eximbank has allocated 162 million dollars to boosting economic cooperation, Varga said.

Speaking at a business forum organised by the Iranian trade and industry chamber after the meeting, Varga noted that the Hungarian government’s support to economic ties with Iran have resulted in a 60 percent increase in exports in January-August 2017, to 25 million dollars.

Hungarian firms also seek investment opportunities, offering innovative and efficient technologies at affordable prices, he said.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Kovács Attila