Recalling the historical ups and downs in relations between Iran and Britain, Shamkhani said that stepping towards lasting relationships based on trust building and mutual respect provides the interests of the two countries.
Shamkhani made the remarks on Monday in a meeting with British Secretary of State Philip Hammond who is in Iran since yesterday for a two-day mission over reopening UK embassy and holding talks with Iranian high-ranking officials.
Pointing to Iran's constructive role during nuclear negotiations with the 5+1, Shamkhani urged the West to avoid counterproductive misunderstandings.
"The influence of the Islamic Republic of Iran is due to popular support, a wise Leadership and balanced, stabilizing international and regional policies, true understanding of which will pave the way for new cooperation," Shamkhani said.
He underlined the roots of formation of Takfiri terrorism in the region and the role of West allies to spread the crises, adding that disregarding the warnings of the Islamic Republic of Iran to avoid arming opponents of the legitimate government of Syria will give rise to numerous terrorist groups embarking an unprecedented crisis which imposes massive human and financial costs on regional countries.
British Secretary of State, for his part, expressed satisfaction with opening of a new chapter in the relations between the two countries and underlined Iran's special role and position as a regional power in resolving various issues, including fight against terrorism.
"We are here to seek ways to have a long and lasting economic relations with Iran, while conferring and cooperating on regional issues," Hammond reiterated.