All benefit EU, Iran ties: Finland FM

TEHRAN, Sept.1 (MNA) – Finnish foreign minister in a meeting with Iranian counterpart said that the EU ties with Iran will benefit all countries. Erkki Tuomioja, the Finnish FM, who arrived in Iran last night after an invitation by his Iranian counterpart, held a meeting with Mohammad Javad Zarif on Sunday and said , “we discussed Iran’s nuclear issues, violence, extremism and instability in Iraq, as well as our bilateral ties.” “We believe ISIL is a threat to the security of all countries,” Tuomioja said, “and we have been witness to many atrocities committed by ISIL against humanity and all countries should fight agaisnt it to stop.” He added that “I believe I am on the right track to normalizing EU ties with Iran; these ties are to the benefit of not only the both sides but all countries and will lead to significant decisions and drastic changes. Of course, Iran must fulfill its obligations, too.” In regard to Finland’s stance on ISIL terror in the region, the Finnish FM remarked and sadi that “We consider ISIL as a serious threat. We believe that ISIS is responsible for the horrifying crimes that are being reported.” “Iran and Finland have many mutual interests and the two countries have always had firm tiesو” stated he and continued that “we consider sanctions as important issue to be pursued and also hope to see expansion of ties between the two countries.”