Iran, Sweden voice readiness to bolster ties

TEHRAN, Nov. 08 (MNA) – In a Tue. meeting between Head of Iran's Strategic Research Center Velayati and Swedish FM State Secretary Söder in Tehran, the two sides conferred on ways to expand bilateral relations. During the meeting, Ali Akbar Velayati highlighted the need for developing bilateral activities, adding “Iran-Sweden relations are historical and significant, and I hope with more and more delegation visits between the two countries, we will witness a remarkable improvement in all fields of mutual interest.” The senior adviser to Leader of the Islamic Revolution on international affairs called on European countries to adopt more independent policies, adding “Iran is firmly of the opinion that regional issues require no military solution.” He went on to add, “Iran is ready to cooperate with other interested countries to make efforts for reaching a political solution and returning peace and security to the region.” Velayati further referred to the crises in Syria and Iraq, adding “the atrocities that are being committed against certain governments and nations in region are unprecedented in history.” “However, the regional countries will take a firm stand against the plots seeking to partition and weaken them,” he stressed. For her part, the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Annika Söder, underscored the position and significance of Iran in the region and in regard to its ties with her country. She also pointed to a number of issues currently facing Europe, including the refugee’s crisis, expressing interest in using Iran’s experiences in this regard to take appropriate measures.