©2002 IranMania
Belgium's Foreign Minister, Louis Michel.

TEHRAN, June 11 (AFP) - Belgium's FM Louis Michel voiced support here on Tuesday for a trade and cooperation pact between European Union members and Iran, IRNA reported.

Upon arrival at Tehran's Mehrabad airport, Michel said he was "very optimistic" about a trade cooperation agreement between Iran and the European Commission, IRNA said.

"Iran is an important country and relations with that country should be strengthened in all areas," the Belgian minister said.

His two-day trip comes after a division between European Union member states last month over starting direct negotiations between the European Commission and Iran for a trade and cooperation pact.

During his stay, Michel is scheduled to meet with his Iranian counterpart, Kamal Kharrazi, as well as President Mohammad Khatami and Majlis speaker Mehdi Karubi.

©2002 IranMania
Majlis speaker, Mehdi Karrubi.

Earlier this week, Belgian foreign ministry spokesman Koen Vervaeke told IRNA that the aim of Michel's trip was to "intensify bilateral ties between the two countries," adding that "Belgium is one of the active supporters of a dialogue between the EU and Iran."

Tehran maintains a political dialogue with European Union members.

Late last month, Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Lydie Polfer became the first Luxembourg official to visit Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

©2002 IranMania & AFP
Photo/Henghameh Fahimi
President Mohammad Khatami welcomes Luxembourg's foreign minister Lydie Polfer in Tehran 28 May 2002. Polfer is in Iran for a four-day official visit.

During her visit, Polfer said she was opposed to Iran's isolation and called for a "constructive" dialogue between the two countries.

"Iran must not be isolated," she said, noting the importance of the country's youth, who "are demanding openness and dialogue."