Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Though the international sanctions imposed on Iran have not been lifted yet, some countries have already started to restore the relations with this energy-rich country.

Australia has recently voiced intention to enhance ties with the Islamic Republic.

Canberra announced on December 10 that it is taking necessary legal actions to lift sanctions imposed on Iran in line with the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that was inked between Iran and the P5+1 in July.

Peter Varghese, the secretary of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a meeting with Iran's Ambassador to Canberra Abdolhossein Vahaji that his country supports the implementation of the JCPOA, Press TV reported.

Under the JCPOA, Iran would limit certain aspects of its nuclear energy activities in return for the removal of certain economic sanctions against the country.

Besides implementing UN Security Council sanctions on Iran, Australia has also imposed autonomous sanctions against the Islamic Republic. These sanctions related to gold, precious metals, and arms, as well as energy and financing sectors.

However following the nuke deal, new opportunities emerged for cooperation of the two countries.

Varghese emphasized that Australia’s foreign ministry is not satisfied with the current level of ties and is seeking enhanced ties with Iran.

Avenues for broadening economic relations and exchanging political and commercial delegations between the two countries were the main topics discussed by the two officials.

Iran’s ambassador called on the Australian government to help accelerate the process of lifting the sanctions against Iran.

Australia’s bilateral relations with Iran have experienced a decline in recent years, mainly due to the imposition of a series of sanctions on Iran.

However, the Australian political leaders have consistently tried to keep trade and politics separate.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop visited Iran in April and met with President Hassan Rouhani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif and other Iranian officials. Bishop visited Tehran with an aim to work on building closer diplomatic ties with Iran, the first trip by an Australian minister to the former pariah state in 12 years.

Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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