Portuguese FM hails Rouhani for new intl. portray of Iran

TEHRAN, Jan. 27 (MNA) – Portuguese FM Rui Machete expressed his country’s full support for Iran’s rights in N-talks, appreciating President Rouhani’s efforts on the international scene. Portuguese Foreign Minister Rui Machete who has visited Iran to hold talks with President Rouhani, Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif as well as international advisors at various faculties of the University of Tehran, delivered a speech among reporters, students and university professors of Faculty of World Studies this Monday morning. He regarded his trip to Tehran as a good opportunity to commemorate the anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and Portugal, adding the two countries had many common interests and concerns. “Religion is a significant element to nations, and the allegations that it is one of the principle sources of harm and violence in the world is completely unfounded, unfair and dangerous since it diverts our attentions from the political roots of many instances of tension and conflict,” he said. While stressing Portugal’s support of strengthening the idea of Dialogue among Civilizations and boosting cooperation with Iran, he said, “Iran has a long-standing history of coexistence with and understanding of Christianity and Judaism; these initiatives that lead to better understanding of one another hold great significance in today’s world.” Machete maintained Portugal recognized Iran’s rights in the nuclear negotiations with the six states and fully supported the obtaining of a joint solution through negotiations. He also commended President Rouhani for all the reforms he has undertaken during this period of time. “Hassan Rouhani has succeeded in depicting a new image of Iran on the international scene and highlighted Iran’s role in the region by increasing relations and proposing initiatives,” he said.