Iran, UAE can turn into ‘world’s economic hub’: Parliament speaker

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has said the country and the United Arab Emirates enjoy the opportunity to join forces towards considerably enhancing the countries’ economic standing in the world.

“Given Iran’s and the Emirates’ geographical situation, we can turn into the world’s great economic hub,” Qalibaf told Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. The Iranian top parliamentarian has travelled to the Emirati capital on a two-day trip aimed at bolstering the bilateral relations.

“The opportunity is there, given the countries’ [favorable] bilateral relations and [their pending] membership of the BRICS,” he added.

Iran and the UAE were invited to join the BRICS grouping, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, in August as part of a decision by the bloc to accept six new members. Full membership is scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2024.