Iran's stance based on constructive ties with neighbors

TEHRAN, Oct. 19 (MNA) – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham acknowledged on Sunday that Iran's immutable position is based on giving priority to expansion of relations with its neighbors. Welcoming remarks of Kuwaiti undersecretary for foreign affairs regarding importance of regional countries' dialogue with Iran, Afkham called the approach of government of Kuwait constructive and praiseworthy. Marzieh Afkham acknowledged the Islamic Republic of Iran's stance in giving priority to expansion of relations with its neighbors and underlined the country has left no initiative and proposal to advance relations unanswered. She said to this end, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif started his first tour of the region from Kuwait, after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was agreed on Vienna. "The Islamic Republic of Iran is hopeful that other neighbors in the south will use the opportunity available and welcome start of serious and constructive dialogue with Iran," she concluded. In an interview with one of the leading daily Arab newspapers Al-Hayat on Sunday, Kuwaiti Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs Khaled al-Jarallah asserted that Kuwait advocates diplomacy and dialogue with Iran rather than confrontation.