Iran FM stresses closer ties with European Union
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says there are numerous capacities for cooperation between Iran and the European Union (EU) countries, particularly Albania and Latvia.
In a meeting with newly accredited Albanian Ambassador to Tehran Genci Mucaj on Saturday, Zarif referred to the affinities as well as the long-standing and friendly ties between Iran and Albania, hoping for the further expansion of Tehran-Tirana ties.The top Iranian diplomat also met with Latvia’s new ambassador to Iran, Atis Sjanits, on Saturday.
Zarif expressed Tehran’s readiness for enhancing bilateral and all-out ties with Riga. He also emphasized Latvia’s important role in the development of Iran-EU relations, especially given that the Baltic country will assume the EU’s rotating presidency as of next year.
On January 11, Iran’s foreign minister said the visits to Tehran by European parliamentary delegations suggest the West is inclined to forge closer ties with the Islamic Republic.
The trips indicate “the willingness of both sides under the current political atmosphere to expand their relations,” Mohammad Javad Zarif noted.
He added that there exists enormous potential in Iran in different fields, including trade, which provides suitable ground for the enhancement of relations between the two sides.
On December 13, 2013, an eight-member team from the European Parliament (EP) arrived in Iran to hold talks with officials of the Islamic Republic. The team was led by Tarja Cronberg, who sits on the EP’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
Among other members of the European team were Cornelia Ernst, Josef Weidenholzer, Marietje Schaake and Isabelle Durant. The delegation wrapped up their visit on December 16.
On February 3, a French business delegation of more than 100 business people arrived in Iran to explore trade opportunities amid the easing of sanctions following a landmark nuclear deal clinched between Iran and six major powers in Geneva last November. The deal went into effect on January 20.
