During the first ever meeting throughout the history of diplomatic ties between the two states, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met and talked with his Chilean counterpart Heraldo Muñoz Valenzuela in the capital city of Santiago investigating venues for bolstering mutual relations in the post-JCPOA era.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed according to which both sides will be able to hold political dialogue on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common interest at deputy minister level or through their respective representatives alternatively in Tehran and Santiago.
Speaking at a joint press conference following the meeting with his Chilean counterpart, Iran’s Zarif expressed satisfaction for being the first ever Iranian FM to visit the South American country and appreciated warm reception and hospitality of the people and government of Chile.
He also praised the Chilean nation and government for their helpful support in the course of nuclear talks between Iran and the 5+1 group of countries adding “we have always stood on the side of Chileans except for the time of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship ruling during which political ties came to a halt.”
“We appreciate the opportunity to establish vast political, economic, trade and international ties with Chile during the time of democracy,” noted Zarif stressing that good relations between the two parties would bring about economic stability and development in the two regions.
The official highlighted that in addition to common issues, the two sides can also deal with conflicting areas, especially in the sacred field of human rights.
FM Zarif said Iran attached importance to democracy and would break political ties with counties who ignore it.
At the end of his remarks, the Iranian foreign minister congratulated the people of Colombia for inking a peace agreement with Fark rebels (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) and appreciated Latin American governments, especially Cuba and Chile, who played a role in reaching the final deal.
Chilean Foreign Minister Heraldo Muñoz Valenzuela, for his part, welcomed his Iranian counterpart and congratulated the reaching of a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.
He said we have entered new phase of mutual cooperation with Iran adding “the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has created a suitable opportunity for the broadening of relations between Iran and Chile in different areas, including economic cooperation.”
He reiterated that Iran has entered new phase of cooperation with world countries as a result of nuclear agreement between Iran and the six world countries.
Muñoz Valenzuela also pointed to Iran's capabilities, including its status in Central Asia and the Middle East and having access to massive energy reserves saying “Iran is a global power in the field of energy and it also enjoys high capacities for trade in the region.”
He voiced optimism towards the outcomes of recent negotiations adding “Tehran and Santiago hold numerous political and economic commonalities and we are keen on expanding multilateral ties.”
The Chilean official deemed dialogue as the basis of diplomatic relations asserting “although disagreements exist, Chile will continue cooperation with Iran and sign contracts in the framework of international cooperation.”
Muñoz Valenzuela, while referring to his meeting with Iran’s Zarif, said regional issues were discussed at the meeting with particular attention to Middle East and Iran’s role.
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