“Ms. Mogherini’s visit has been organized within the framework of Iran-EU cooperation following the implementation of the nuclear deal,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in his joint press conference with EU Chief Federica Mogherini on Sat. in Tehran.
Zarif expressed confidence that EU’s political and economic interests are tied to the implementation of the JCPOA, saying the two sides will boost cooperation to remove the remaining obstacles that are hindering the full implementation of Iran’s nuclear deal.
The EU has vowed to help Iran join the World Trade Organization, he said.
Topics on fight against terrorism and extremism, humanitarian issues, and the refugees’ crisis, were also discussed between the two senior officials.
The Iranian top diplomat further noted that the two sides will issue a statement today on civil nuclear cooperation between Iran and the EU, adding “we are certain that this cooperation can help the development of the country and promote peace in the region.”
“We believe that the nuclear agreement has provided the condition for international cooperation, removed threats from the region, and can lead to a better future for people of Iran and the region, as well as the peace and security in the world,” he said, while calling on the US and other sides to the nuclear accord to eliminate any practical obstacles to banking and financial cooperation with Iran.
“In the past few days, Director General of the Central Bank of Iran had held serious talks with US Secretary of the Treasury in Washington, and the Iranian expert delegation also met with the expert delegation from the office of monitoring sanctions in order to make sure the US will abide by its commitments under the JCPOA,” he said.
Zarif went on to add, “the aim of the nuclear agreement is to provide Iran with the opportunity to have international financial access.”
“We are also ready to talk about human rights issues,” said Zarif, “but both Ms. Mogherini and our other friends in Europe know that this will not be a one-sided talk. Iran has a lot to say on human rights and I am certain the European side will be ready to listen.”
On Iran’s objectives in Syria, he said “we believe that fighting terrorism and extremism is a global necessity and an international duty. Those countries who are not participating in this fight are making a mistake.”
In regard to Iran’s missile tests, he said “our missiles have not been designed to carry nuclear weapons and we will never use them for offensive operations. The missiles will be only used to protect our country against attacks.”
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