Velayati expresses concern over Mideast crisis, insecurity

Tehran, Nov 2, IRNA -- The current crisis and insecurity in the Middle East will harm all countries in the region, head of the Center for Strategic Research Studies affiliated to the Expediency Council Ali Akbar Velayati said on Saturday. Velayati made the remarks in a meeting with Norway's Foreign Minister Børge Brende. He said that the Middle East is the crossroad of the world requiring tranquility. He expressed the hope that the Norwegian foreign minister would help broaden relations and cooperation between the two countries. The Middle East region is experiencing a tough crisis, Velayati said adding that there are numerous problems in the region and the world and such as the current developments in Ukraine which would leave direct impacts on the neighboring countries in Asia. Brende said for his part that ten years have passed since the last visit of Norwegian foreign minister to Iran and that he would discuss various issues such as recovery of the Iranian economy in the aftermath of the sanctions. /end