TEHRAN, Aug. 12 (MNA) – Iran’s FM Mohammad Javad Zarif said Sat. that top priority for Foreign Ministry during Pres. Rouhani’s second term will be ‘economic diplomacy’ and boosting cooperation with ‘neighboring countries’.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Mohammad Javad Zarif discussed his ministry’s agenda for the 12th government, highlighting the importance of constructive interaction with the international community and the special attention of European countries toward Iran.

Zarif noted the unprecedented attendance of over 100 foreign delegations in President Rouhani’s swearing-in ceremony on August 5, saying “these facts must not be underestimated, and the Islamic Republic needs to make use of all these capacities for cooperation.”

“Before now, Iran had no part in international decisions on Syria, but now we determine organizing meetings on Syrian settlement and the representatives who can sit in on them,” Zarif added.

Zarif went on to note that Iran’s objectives have been fulfilled in regard to the nuclear deal, adding “so far, obstacles to transport, oil and banking have been removed. Since other fields were not included into our negotiations with the 5+1, we cannot expect the sanctions related to them be lifted after the signing of the JCPOA.”

The Iranian diplomat further maintained that billions of foreign investment has been put into Iranian projects after JCPOA, adding “the US lack of commitment should be responded in a way that will not benefit the Americans; for instance, the investment contract with Total was a positive step in this regard.”

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