Julie Bishop as the first senior Australian government figure to visit Iran in more than a decade is reported by the Australian News agency Sydney Morning Herald to travel to Tehran in April.
According to the report, the trip is being viewed as a potential game-changer in the fight against the terrorist group ISIL, but it could also lead to profitable economic opportunities for both countries.
Julie Bishop follows a specific invitation by Iran’s foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif.
The Australian Foreign Minister's Middle East trip will take place in April, less than two months before the US and Iran hit a self-imposed deadline for a comprehensive nuclear energy deal.
Bishop’s visit will also take in other capitals and is likely to include Baghdad and the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.
The last Australian foreign affairs minister to visit Tehran was Alexander Downer in 2003.
Australia has maintained diplomatic relations with Tehran, positioning this country well if a peaceful nuclear energy industry is agreed on and harsh trade sanctions are lifted.
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