Italy and Iran share a deep historical relationship, rooted in centuries of diplomatic, cultural, and commercial exchanges. As far back as antiquity, the Roman and Persian Empires influenced one another, forming a bridge between East and West. Over the centuries, this dialogue was enriched through trade along the Silk Road, as well as artistic and cultural interaction.
Today, bilateral relations between the two countries are marked by their strength and potential. Italy has long been one of Iran’s main European economic partners, with cooperation spanning energy, mechanical engineering, agri-food, fashion, and advanced technology. Italian and Iranian companies collaborate on industrial, infrastructural, and innovative projects, further reinforcing economic ties across the Mediterranean.
The relationship extends beyond the economic sphere: academic institutions, museums, universities, and research centers from both countries have maintained dynamic collaborations for years, contributing to the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
This page outlines the major international conventions to which both Italy and Iran are parties, which play a key role in facilitating economic and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Bilateral Conventions
Treaty of Friendship between Italy and Iran (1950)
Signed in Tehran on September 24, 1950, and entered into force on January 10, 1957. The Treaty of Friendship laid the foundation for diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. It establishes principles of mutual respect, non-aggression, and cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields. The treaty reflects the shared commitment to peaceful relations and long-term collaboration.
Link to the official text
Agreement between the Government of the Italian Republic and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the Promotion and Protection of Investments (1999)
This bilateral treaty, signed in Rome in 1999 and entered into force in 2003, aims to promote and protect investments made by citizens and businesses of each country in the territory of the other. It guarantees, among other things, fair treatment of investors, protection against expropriation, the right to repatriate capital and profits, and access to international arbitration in the event of disputes between the foreign investor and the host state. More broadly, the agreement seeks to foster a secure and stable legal framework to encourage mutual investment flows.
Link
Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance for the Prevention, Investigation, and Repression of Customs Offences, with Annex (2004)
Signed on October 11, 2004, this agreement establishes a framework of mutual assistance between the customs authorities of Italy and Iran for the prevention, detection, and suppression of customs-related offences. The agreement provides for the exchange of information, coordination of investigations, and cooperation in the enforcement of customs regulations. It contributes to the security of international trade and supports efforts to combat smuggling and customs fraud.
Link
Multilateral conventions
United Nations Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (1958)
Commonly known as the New York Convention, this is one of the most important instruments in international arbitration law. It establishes the legal framework for the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards made in one signatory state by the courts of another. The convention promotes arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution method, ensuring that arbitral awards are effective across borders.
Iran acceded to the Convention in 2001, meaning that arbitral awards issued in Italy are also enforceable in Iran.
Official document
Customs Convention on the Temporary Importation of Scientific Equipment (1968)
Adopted on June 11, 1968, this convention facilitates international scientific cooperation by allowing the temporary duty-free importation of scientific instruments and equipment used for research and education. Both Italy and Iran are contracting parties, making academic and technological exchange between the two countries more accessible and efficient.
Link
Agreement on Patent Cooperation, with Amended Implementing Regulation (1979)
This agreement establishes a bilateral framework for cooperation in the field of industrial property, with a particular focus on patents. It includes provisions for the recognition of priority rights, mutual assistance in filing procedures, and the exchange of technical information. The implementing regulation was amended in 1979 and again in 1984 to reflect changes in patent law and developments in administrative cooperation.
Link WIPO
Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Amended in 1979
This convention established WIPO as the specialized United Nations agency responsible for promoting and safeguarding intellectual property rights worldwide. Both Italy and Iran are parties to the Convention and benefit from streamlined systems such as the Madrid System for the international registration of trademarks. Through a single application filed with WIPO, trademark holders can request protection in multiple countries.
Membership also grants access to other tools offered by WIPO, such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and the Lisbon System for the protection of geographical indications.
WIPO - Text