The two sides further exchanged views on Iran and Australia’s electoral systems and the mechanism of their parliament, discussing ways to further expand parliamentary relations between the two countries.
Zarif also held talks with Tanya Plibersek, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development, on the latest international developments and Tehran-Canberra bilateral relations.
During the meeting, Zarif discussed the two countries’ potentials for developing ties and answered Plibersek’s questions on elections and the economic situation of Iran, Yemeni and Syrian crises and the prospect of cease-fire in these two countries.
Zarif also delivered a speech at the Foreign Relations Committee of the Australian Parliament on Tuesday and outlined the Islamic Republic’s views on Tehran-Canberra relations as well as a number of regional and international issues.
He also answered a number of questions on Iran’s relations with Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf littoral states, the Syrian crisis, the issue of immigrants and the country’s missile tests in the past week.
Zarif also held separate meetings Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop and Minister for Trade and Investment Steven Michele Ciobo.
The Iranian minister is also slated to deliver a speech at the Australian National University and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
Zarif arrived in Australia on Tuesday for a two-day visit on the last leg of his six-nation Asia-Pacific tour. He will wrap up his visit to Australia on Wednesday and set off for Tehran, concluding his Asia-Pacific tour.
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