Iran cannot be disregarded in international arena: Italian senator

TEHRAN, July 10 (MNA) -- Italian Senator Lamberto Dini has described Iran as a regional power, saying that the country cannot be disregarded in the international arena due to its influence as well as geopolitical and political status.

Dini, who is the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Italian Senate, made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ali Ahani in Rome on Wednesday.

Ahani had travelled to Italy to participate in the meeting of the Mediterranean and Middle East Special Group of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, which was held in La Maddalena, Italy, from July 4 to 5.

During the meeting, Dini expressed hope that Iran would be able to play a greater role in resolving problems facing the region through cooperation with other regional countries.

He also highlighted Iran’s role in improving peace and security in Afghanistan, saying that Italy is interested in cooperating with the Islamic Republic on Afghanistan.

Ahani stated that Iran has held a number of consultations with Afghanistan’s neighbors in order to help resolve the problems facing the war-ravaged country.

The veteran diplomat also said that Tehran and Rome should make endeavors to further increase their cooperation in various spheres.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian official commented on the dispute over Iran’s nuclear activities, saying that the country is determined to advance its peaceful nuclear program.

Ahani also criticized the United States for imposing unilateral sanctions on the Islamic Republic and described them as “ineffective”.