Australia: Business Office in Tehran to be Reopened

The Australian federal government has announced that it will reopen its business office in Iran. A delegation led by the Minister for Trade and Investment is set to travel to Tehran. The Australian Trade Minister emphasized the 'significant economic opportunities' in Iran, stating that Australia does not intend to overlook human rights issues in the country. Steve Ciobo, the Minister for Trade and Investment, mentioned on October 5 on ABC television that 'with Iran's return to relations and interactions with the global community after reaching a nuclear agreement, significant business opportunities have opened up.' Ciobo highlighted Australia's need for energy resources while also noting that areas such as 'agriculture, water management, food, and education' are other business opportunities for trade with Iran. According to this Australian official, Iran 'has the potential to be a source of economic growth in the future.' He also added that Australia does not intend to forget about human rights issues and the matter of boat refugees. Ciobo stated that Australia's position 'on the resettlement of Iranian refugees is clear and explicit.' Recently, the Australian government has implemented new immigration policies that do not accept refugees and migrants who arrive illegally by sea under any circumstances. These individuals are transferred to islands outside Australian territory; major human rights organizations have strongly criticized the conditions of these camps. The Australian government claims that criticisms from human rights organizations are one-sided and do not consider the views of its government. The Iranian Foreign Minister and his Australian counterpart have previously discussed the situation of refugees and actions to return them to Iran. Reports indicate that under pressure from Australia, some visa restrictions have also been implemented for Iranian citizens wishing to travel to countries like Indonesia or Malaysia. Ciobo mentioned in a morning program on ABC that 'the preference of his government is' that those residents of the camps who are determined not to be refugees 'should be returned to Iran.' The Associated Press reports that the Trade Minister and his accompanying delegation will head to Tehran on Tuesday, October 6. According to the news agency and quoting Ciobo, 20 representatives from companies, including specialists in health and hygiene, mining, agriculture, and education and skills, will accompany him. The activities of the Australian business office in Tehran had been suspended in 2010.