Iran ready to expand ties with Europe based on mutual respect:Iranian FM

TEHRAN,Dec.9(MNA)–Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said that Iran is ready to expand relations with European countries based on mutual trust and respect. Salehi made the remarks during a meeting with the new Irish ambassador, Oliver Grogan, in Tehran on Saturday. “Iran is always ready to seek the expansion of comprehensive bilateral and multilateral ties with European countries based on mutual trust and cooperation, relations which are based on mutual respect and serve common interests,” the Iranian foreign minister stated. There is great potential for further cooperation between Iran and Europe in various areas, particularly in trade interactions, he added. Elsewhere in his remarks, Salehi described political relations between Tehran and Dublin as “good”, expressing hope that bilateral cooperation would be increased during Grogan’s tenure. Ireland’s new ambassador, who submitted a copy of his credentials to Salehi during the meeting, conveyed the warm greetings of Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore to Iran’s chief diplomat. The ambassador also stated that Dublin is keen to expand ties with Tehran in all areas. Grogan added that Ireland believes issues between Iran and the West should be resolved only through dialogue. In addition, Eritrea’s new ambassador to Tehran met with Salehi and presented him a copy of his credentials. The two officials emphasized the necessity of the expansion of ties.