FM to launch new shuttle diplomacy to expand Iran's ties with Europe

Tehran, July 11, IRNA – Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi is to launch new shuttle diplomacy with European states ina bid to expand ties between the two sides, analyst announced on Sunday.

Continued visits to regional countries have prepared grounds for his visits to European states, said the analyst.

Salehi visited Switzerland to attend annual UN meeting on disarmament where he conferred with a number of high ranking European officials, something which analysts believe can open a new chapter in turbulent ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Europe.

Iran is determined to expand relations with Europe despite recent ups and downs in relations between the two sides, said the Iranian foreign minister.

Europe regards Iran as a significant and strategic country in the region, Salehi said.

The Islamic Republic of Iran can provide Europe with its required energy, he underlined.

Political analysts believe that the US and its allies are doing their best to isolate Iran by posing unilateral sanctions but to no avail, said the analyst.

Such diplomatic visits prove the importance of Iran’s active diplomacy, she said, adding that other countries do not pursue the wrong policies of the US and are determined to broaden and deepen ties with Iran.

After touring Europe, Salehi is scheduled to visit Nigeria to attend the 14th foreign ministerial meeting of D8.

Developing Islamic countries such Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt and Nigeria are members of D8./end