| Hosts and Guests
Whether he is the
host or guest, President Khatami keeps presenting a face of Iran that the world has
scarcely seen for the past two decades
Spain, Japan,
Venezuela, Cuba and Malaysia. Presidents of these countries must be on top of President
Mohammad Khatami’s meeting itinerary. After a few days loaded with brief meetings and
speeches at the United Nations Millennium Summit in New York, the Iranian President had to
arrange a new set of meetings with the heads of state to cement his policy of détente in
international level. Improving the image of Iran, laying the basis for greater cooperation
for economic development and formation of regional and global grouping with different
governments more or less remain as the priorities of President Khatami’s agenda.
As Tehran prepares to host representatives and trade
missions of 73 countries on the occasion of the 26th Tehran
International Trade Fair, some delegations are headed by officials who rank higher than
previous years.
One dignitary expected in Iran is Spanish Prime Minister Jose
Maria Aznar who decided to pay his Iranian counterpart an official visit briefly following
the United Nations Millennium Summit.
Spain is a European country with long-established links to Islam. Although the country is
not a frontrunner in internationalization process, but it is endeavoring to keep up with
the developments in other member countries of the European Union. There were many measures
to be taken within Spain after it entered the European Union.
Nevertheless, Iran and Spain can properly work together for achieving a greater market
share. Madrid is aware of the fact that Iran is exerting efforts to diversify its exports
and switch from oil to non-oil. So far, dried fruits, carpets and saffron remain pretty
much among Iran’s non-oil exports to Spain. At the same time, a few Spanish companies
are pursuing projects in the Iranian oil, gas and petrochemical sectors. More trade
missions and investment forums allow the Spanish companies to become more familiar with
the trade structure in Iran and the way foreign investment works in this country. Some
leading energy companies in Spain possess the know-how to help Iran become a gas exporter.
Iran’s promotion from
the sixth to the fifth position of OECD ranking was a fine encouragement for the Spanish
companies who were cautious about investing in the Iranian market. Iran’s political
stability is another advantage that appeals to Spanish investors. Even with a trade volume
that has a lot of room to grow, Iran ranks as Spain’s fourth commercial partner in
the region.
As Spain takes institutional, promotional and financial measures for the further
flexibility of its Export Credit Agency toward deals with Iran, the upcoming visit of the
Spanish Prime Minister is expected to create greater economic and cultural links between
Tehran and Madrid.
Also predictable among President Khatami’s international appointments are visits to
Venezuela, Cuba, Japan and Malaysia. After hosting Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in
Tehran, the Iranian President is expected in the OPEC Summit in Caracas to take a few
determining measures regarding oil outputs and prices on the verge of the cold season.
Going to Venezuela, the President won’t be far from Havana where he and Cuba’s
Fidel Castro have some common views to share.
In the home continent, Japan has on occasion renewed its invitation to President Khatami
while Malaysia remains on route. These are two countries with notable trade ties with Iran
in addition to common cultural points.
Active in electronics, mining, metal processing and power generation, Japanese companies
are well known and trusted in Iran. Tehran and Tokyo will have a lot to discuss for
development of cultural and economic relations should the heads of state meet.
Thinking of Malaysia, one automatically remembers Petronas and its initiative to be part
of the multinational consortium that started developing south Iranian oil fields when the
US sanctions were in place. Further cooperation between Iranian and Malaysian industries
is expected to be achieved after a meeting at high levels.
Don’t expect all five visits to take place shortly and just as planned. Nevertheless,
whether he is the host or guest, President Khatami keeps presenting a face of Iran that
the world has scarcely seen for the past two decades. |
