Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pointed to Bulgaria's strategic geographical location in Southeastern Europe and the possibility for the country to act as a bridge between Iran and Europe in all areas, including the transfer of energy.

Rouhani said this on Tuesday during his meeting with the new Bulgarian Ambassador to Tehran Christo Polendakov, Fars news agency reports.

He expressed the readiness of Iran to expand its economic, political and cultural cooperation with Bulgaria.

The Iranian President said that both Bulgaria and Iran had many cultural and natural attractions and called on the countries to become more active in their cooperation, especially in the field of tourism.

According to him, the two countries have maintained good relations for over a century, Tasnim news agency reports.

Polendakov similarly described Bulgaria's favourable position at the gateway of Europe and the possibility of the country to act as a route for transfer of energy and goods between Iran and Europe.

The diplomat revealed that Bulgarian officials were eager to consolidate relations with Iran in all areas.

The ambassador committed himself to broadening the relations between the two countries in all areas, especially in the fields of culture and economy.

Polendakov highlighted that Iran possessed many historical, cultural and architectural attractions, which could make it a desirable destination for visitors from European countries.