FMs of Iran, Sweden discuss bilateral relations
Tehran (ISNA) – Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Swedish counterpart, Tobias Billström held a phone conversation to discuss bilateral and international issues of mutual interest.
Amir-Abdollahian congratulated Billström on his appointment as Sweden’s foreign minister. He highlighted the history of age-old ties and cooperation between the two countries, calling for the promotion of bilateral relations with a clear view of the future, combined with the two governments’ pragmatism.
He added, “In recent years, the two countries’ ties have been affected by some issues, which have mainly been the outcome of negative activities and moves by a third party.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always welcomed dialog and cooperation with the European Union,” the Iranian foreign minister said.
The top Iranian diplomat pointed to the consular issues between the two sides, especially the politicized dossier of Hamid Nouri and attempts by the Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO) terror group in advancing the case, which have done harm to the two countries’ ties, calling on the new government in Sweden to free the innocent Iranian citizen.
He also offered congratulations on Sweden’s election as president of the Council of the European Union for the new term.
For his part, the Swedish foreign minister referred to good and long-running bilateral ties with over 400 years of cooperation and interactions.
He expressed regret that the case of Hamid Nouri negatively affected good and historical ties between the two countries, saying that he will work on the issue with seriousness.
The chief Swedish diplomat also called for more Iranian cooperation in efforts to resolve the cases related to a number of Swedish nationals, reaffirming his country’s determination to expand ties with Iran.
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@Isna_Int
source: en.isna.ir
