Greek president backs diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear issue

TEHRAN, Dec. 8 (MNA)-- Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki held separate meetings with the Greek president and foreign minister in Athens on Monday.

In his meeting with Greek President Karolos Papoulias, Mottaki stated that Iran and Greece can play an important role in settling regional and international disputes.

Mottaki also said Tehran and Athens can cooperate in the fight against drug smuggling, organized crime, and illegal immigration.

The Greek president also said Tehran and Athens share common views based on which they can expand their ties. Papoulias also said his country backs a diplomatic solution to the nuclear row between Iran and the West.

Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas also called Iran-Greece relations deep, friendly, and historic which nothing can affect it.

Droutsas said Greece is eager to maintain and strengthen ties with Iran, and that Iran can trust Greece. He also expressed his country seeks to boost economic ties with Iran particularly in the energy sector.

For his part, Mottaki said Iran has the potential to supply energy to European countries including Greece.