EU-Iran relations in focus as Mogherini welcomes Zarif for first Brussels visit

Federica Mogherini i welcomed Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to his first official visit to the European Union Monday night, 15 February. The main focus was on EU-Iran bilateral relations, with the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) saying she was hopeful that spring could be a reasonable time for a delegation of Vice-Presidents of the Commission and Commissioners to visit Tehran and explore all different sectors of cooperation between the European Union and Iran.

"We believe this would be mutually beneficial for institutions and for our people", Mogherini said. "We have strong cultural historical ties. We have strong common interests. We have also some fields that will be probably not of complete agreement but we believe that coordination and cooperation will be essential. ", the HR/VP underlined.

The High Representative also congratulated Minister Zarif and Iran "for the excellent work that was done in coordination and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the 3+3."

The regional issues were also on the agenda, notably the Syrian conflict. "Both on the bilateral level and also in the region, we have been working together in the International Syria Support Group." , the HR/VP stated.