EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during a one-day trip to Tehran.
The Mehr News Agency reports that Zarif and Mogherini discussed issues surrounding the recent agreement reached between Iran and the 5+1 on Iran’s nuclear activities.
Following their meeting, the two diplomats held a joint news conference. Mogherini described the nuclear agreement reached in Vienna as the start of “a new chapter of relations” between Iran and Europe, adding that all European countries are interested in cooperating with Iran to realize the agreement.
According to Reuters, Zarif told reporters: “We have agreed to hold high-level talks between Iran and the European Union over different issues, including energy cooperation … human rights, confronting terrorism and regional issues.”
Mogherini added: “The deal has the capacity to pave the ground for wider cooperation between Iran and the West.”
Mogherini also highlighted Iran’s potential for bringing peace to the region, saying: “Cooperation between Iran, its neighbors and the whole international community could open unprecedented possibilities of peace for the region, starting from Syria, Yemen and Iraq.”
Mogherini had met with Saudi officials on Monday to address concerns about the impact of the nuclear agreement on the regional balance of power.
Iran and the 5+1 finally reached a deal this month to remove international sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program.
