Swiss FM expresses optimism about Iran nuclear talks

TEHRAN,March 9(MNA)– Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter has expressed optimism about the latest round of nuclear talks between Iran and the six major powers in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Press TV reported. During a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for European and American Affairs Ali Asghar Khaji in Bern on Wednesday, Burkhalter hoped that during the next round of negotiations between Tehran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of UN Security Council plus Germany) in Almaty on April 5-6, the sides would reach an agreement. The Iranian diplomat, on a two-day official visit, also held a separate meeting with Swiss State Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Yves Rossier on Thursday in which they discussed the ties, the nuclear dossier, the fight against international terrorism, and regional developments. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of political consultations in Tehran. For years, Iran and Switzerland have held regular meetings on bilateral and regional issues. This year, the two countries will commemorate the 140th anniversary of the signing of Iran-Switzerland friendship pact. Khaji also met with the director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and a number of Federal Parliament members.