The new Iranian ambassador this morning described UN sanctions against his country as “unjust and illegal” intended solely to harm the Iranian people.

Seyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini played down the significance of the sanctions and insisted trade relations with Malta will not be affected by “marginal issues” when asked whether the commercial operations of Iran’s state-owned shipping line at the Freeport will be affected.

Speaking with the help of a translator soon after presenting his credentials to Acting President Anton Tabone at the Palace in Valletta, Mr Ali Hosseini said the Iranian people had managed to survive despite the UN sanctions over Iran’s nuclear programme.

“Sanctions are ineffective to dissuade the Iranian people from pursuing their strategic interests in the world,” he said.

Focussing on bilateral relations Mr Ali Hosseini said there were various sectors where trade between Malta and Iran could be developed such as tourism.

“With 15 neighbouring states, a population of 60 million and strategically positioned in a potential regional market of 300 million, Iran can promote Malta in the Persian Gulf,” he said.