Some media reports alleged earlier that the EU is due to set up an office in Tehran in April and Ashton’s visit to Tehran has taken place to prepare the ground to this end.
But, informed sources, who asked to remain unnamed, told FNA on Monday that “the news is by no means correct and this issue has not gone under discussion during Ashton’s visit to Tehran”.
Ashton arrived in Tehran on Saturday afternoon to hold meetings with high-ranking Iranian officials over the latest world and regional developments as well as the relations between the European bloc and Iran.
Speaking at a meeting with Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani in Tehran on Sunday, Ashton said reviving ties with Iran tops the agenda of the 28-nation European bloc.
She further described as useful and constructive her talks with the Iranian officials, saying she envisages a bright future for Iran-EU cooperation.
Shamkhani, for his part, welcomed the European countries’ bid for starting a new round of political and economic cooperation with Iran.
