Iran envoy consults with Australian MP on improving ties

Kuala Lumpur, Nov 22, IRNA – Iran's Ambassador to Australia Abdolhossein Vahhaji in Canberra on Tuesday exchanged views with member of joint foreign policy, defense and trade commission of Australian parliament Dr. Anne Aly on ways to develop ties. Development of parliamentary relations was one of the topics reviewed by the two officials. Vahhaji also met with head of joint foreign policy, defense and trade commission of Australian parliament in Canberra senator David Facet early November and discussed ways to develop parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. Vahhaji said that he believes that parliamentary diplomacy can play important role to develop ties in the fields of economy, politics and culture. Given the formation of Australian parliamentary friendship group in Majlis (parliament of Iran), Vahhaji seeks revival of Iran parliamentary friendship group in Australian parliament which ceased its activities because of sanctions on Iran. In the meantime, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Australian parliament speaker also discussed ways to develop parliamentary relations between Iran and Australia in March 2016. 1378/IRNA