Zarif: Iran always ready for constructive talks with regional states

Tehran, Dec 8, IRNA – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran is always ready for constructive talks with all regional countries. In a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim Jafari here on Wednesday, the two foreign ministers reviewed bilateral and regional issues as well as international developments. Pointing to the will of both nations for further development of mutual relations, he said Iran faces no restrictions in enhancing ties with other regional countries. He stressed that Iran was after reducing tensions in the region and strongly believed that the interests of nations lied in having stable conditions far from tensions and crises. Pointing to the mistakes certain countries are making in dealing with terrorism, the foreign minister expressed happiness over the collective understanding and consensus now existing in the region regarding the issue of terrorism and extremism. He appreciated the efforts of the Iraqi nation and government to take effective steps towards fostering national sovereignty and enhancing domestic integration. Zarif said the world now admits the fact that Iran has been the first country to rush to help the Iraqi government and nation in fighting Daesh terrorists and extremists. He voiced Iran's willingness to continue its assistance to Iraq in this regard. Jafari, for his part, praised Iran's constructive and effective role as key player in regional and international issues. He said cooperation and mutual exchange of ideas would benefit both nations. The Iraqi foreign minister arrived in Tehran Sunday evening to participate in the first international conference on the 'World against Violence and Extremism'. The WAVE conference will be held in the Iranian capital on December 9-10, on the anniversary of President Hassan Rouhani's proposal to the UN General Assembly calling for the 'World against Violence and Extremism' in his speech last September. The proposal - WAVE - was approved by the UN General Assembly last December./end