TEHRAN, Feb. 09 (MNA) – Deputy FM for European and American Affairs is visiting the Netherlands and has met country’s Foreign Minister Bert Koenders.

Mr. Majid Takht-Ravanchi received Dutch government’s condolences for the death of Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani by Mr. Koenders, who also said his fellow government would recognize JCPOA still a binding deal; “the Dutch government hails improvement of ties with Iran; we share with Iran concerns over terrorism and extremism, on which Iran would offer excellent help with fighting terrorism to Europe as well as the Netherlands,” he told the meeting.

Takht-Ravanchi for his part called for continued contacts and exchanges on region’s important problems as in Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq; on bilateral ties, he believed Iran’s oil and gas sector would be a ground for cooperation along with other sectors such as agriculture and renewable energies; turning to terrorism, deputy-FM held that in defeating ISIL, which had been far too evident, Iran’s role had been undeniable.

Still in a related story, Takht-Ravanchi addressed briefly the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies during his visit. His addressed focused on Iran’s positions on regional and international issues as well as bilateral relations.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has unparalleled capacities in the region to absorb foreign investments with its ranking surprisingly high as 17th in the global economy rating; we believe Iran and the EU could be in a constant dialogue through which to help close positions and come to an understanding of the international conditions,’ Takht-Ravanchi briefly said.

SH/3901969/IRN82422678