Tehran, Berlin seek ways to promote bilateral ties

Tehran, Feb 20, IRNA – Foreign Ministers of Iran and Germany, in a press conference here on Saturday evening, underlined necessity of following up efforts for promotion of bilateral ties as well as exchanging views on international and regional issues.

Ali Akbar Salehi and Guido Westerwelle told reporters that the two countries can play an important role regarding international and regional problems.

Salehi said that Iran and Germany have common views in some issues and differences in others, 'but today our main discussion is about international and bilateral issues as well as promotion of mutual ties'.

Salehi added, 'We do not care about past and we are looking to future and it was decided that we hold meetings to follow up the issue of promotion of ties.'

Westerwelle expressed Berlin's intention for future talks with Tehran and said that Germany is seeking ways to promote bilateral ties and joint cooperation in international issues.

A reporter asked him about cause of imposing sanctions on Iranian planes in German airports; Westerwelle answered that this issue is not under government responsibility and private companies take decision about it, 'but we discussed it tonight as part of our discussions'.

Answering a question concerning the aim of his visit to Iran and whether he is seeking release of two German citizens, he replied that as a foreign minister he has obligation for his country citizens,
'but today was an opportunity to exchange views with Iran's foreign minister'.

He concluded that he is not a representative of any international group for coming to Iran and the aim of his visit is just to exchange views on international and regional issues./end