Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has assured regional countries that the nuclear deal between Tehran and the six world powers is good for the Middle East and its security.

“We believe that this agreement is not bad for any country in the region and is in fact [necessary] for regional security. We are ready to negotiate with our partners,” Zarif said.

“We have no need to interpret this deal and Iran is satisfied with all [issues] included in the agreement and hopes this deal will be implemented,” Zarif said, adding, “We hope the distrust between Western countries and Iran will be dispelled.”

The minister added that Iran has “strategic ties” with its neighboring states and pledged to open a “new page” in relations with them.

Regarding his plan to visit Saudi Arabia, Zarif said no date had yet been set for the trip.

"We look at Saudi Arabia as an important and influential country in the region.... Through cooperation with Saudi Arabia, we can take steps towards improving regional security. We welcome positive steps by Saudi officials in this regard,” the Iranian minister stated.

Zarif stressed the importance of pursuing a political solution for Syria, urging all involved sides to cooperate and find such a resolution to the Syria crisis.

“We believe that a new era has begun in ties between Iran and regional states which should turn into a new chapter of amicable relations through efforts by all regional countries,” Zarif said.

He added that Iran and Kuwait have political resolve to boost economic ties and voiced Tehran’s readiness for joint trade and energy ventures.

“We are happy that the meeting of the second joint high economic committee was held between the two countries after seven years and it is necessary to try to implement its agreements through regular contacts between Iranian and Kuwaiti officials at different levels,” he stated.

The Iranian minister called “extremism and sectarian strife” as the main challenge to regional security.

“This fire is not confined to one place and will spill over to the entire region. So, it is necessary to prevent its spread through collective cooperation of all regional countries,” Zarif pointed out.

He also warned against human catastrophe in Syria and its consequences on regional countries and said Iran would spare no effort to help end the war and find a political solution to the crisis in the Arab state.

The Iranian Foreign Minister has also called for expansion of cooperation between Iran and Oman in line with Tehran’s policy of furthering ties with neighboring countries.

Zarif expressed Tehran’s readiness for further development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Zarif is on a two-leg trip to Kuwait and Oman to discuss regional and international issues. The Iranian minister wrapped up his official visit to Kuwait on Sunday and arrived in Muscat later in the day, on the second and final leg of his regional trip.

 

News ID 185740