President Rouhani says Zionist acts in region are provocative

Tehran, Feb 11, IRNA – President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that the measures taken by the Zionist regime in the region are provocative. Speaking during a meeting with a top-ranking Swedish delegation in Tehran today, the president said that Zionist acts are one of the root causes of insecurity and tension in the Middle East region. Rouhani said that the visit to Tehran by the Swedish delegation at this juncture that Iran's nuclear deal has been signed and the sanctions against Tehran are lifted, can be a turning point in relations between the two countries. Referring to Sweden’s experience in upgrading the security of nuclear power plants, the president said that Iran and Sweden can cooperate on this area. He also expressed hope that Sweden, as a non-permanent member of UN Security Council, will help the restoration of peace and stability in the region. Meanwhile, the Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, heading his country’s delegation to Iran, said that he wants trade ties with Tehran to be boosted up to the level of the pre-sanctions era. On Iran nuclear deal, known as JCPOA, he said that his country urges both sides to remain committed to their pledges under the deal and wants the accord to be fully implemented. The Swedish prime minister also welcomed an initiative by Iran, Russia and Turkey bringing about ceasefire in Syria saying all the countries are expected to help the peace process in the war-hit country. 'Sweden regards Iran as a main regional player and expects it will continue with its stabilizing role in the region,' Lofven said. 1378/IRNA