Tehran (IP) - In a message addressing the President of the Federal Council of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga, the Iranian president Hassan Rouhani extended congratulations on the Swiss National Day.

Iran Press/ Iran News: President Rouhani expressed the belief that by taking advantage of the diverse capacities of cooperation within the framework of the roadmap of relations, the friendly and historical relations between the two countries will be further expanded.

In this message, Rouhani added that on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Swiss Confederation, he believed that by using the various capacities of cooperation within the framework of the roadmap, friendly and historical relations between the two countries will expand.

The President also wished success and health for the President of the Federal Council of the Swiss Confederation and happiness and pride to the Government and people of this country.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani in a telephone conversation with his Swiss counterpart Simonetta Sommaruga on May 26 stressed the need for speedy launching process of Swiss Financial Mechanism for trade with Iran.

On July 27, The Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement (SHTA) channel to bring food and medicine to Iran started trial operations in January, helping supply Swiss goods to the struggling population without tripping over US sanctions.

Food, medicine, and other humanitarian supplies are exempt from the sanctions that Washington reimposed on Tehran after Donald Trump walked away from a 2015 international deal over Iran’s nuclear program.

US measures targeting everything from oil sales to shipping and financial activities have deterred several foreign banks from doing business with the Islamic Republic - including humanitarian deals.

Switzerland has represented US diplomatic interests in Iran since Washington and Tehran cut ties shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Also on June 5, Switzerland confirmed its role in the 'humanitarian gesture' that led to the release of two detainees, American Michael White and Iranian Majid Taheri, saying it stood ready for “further facilitation” as a neutral intermediary.

In a statement, the Swiss foreign ministry said: “Switzerland confirms its role in the humanitarian gesture that took place today and led to the release of Mr. Michael Ray White and Mr. Majid Taheri. ... Our country stands ready for further facilitation, in accordance with its long-lasting tradition of good offices”.

Read More:

First Swiss deal with Iran via humanitarian channel has gone through

Swiss says ready to help the US, Iran with more releases

Swiss president speaks of her talks with Rouhani on bilateral affairs