Iran, Italy Call for Closer Cooperation

During the Friday meeting, the top Italian lawmaker highlighted the good and age-old relations between the two countries. Fico said he is confident that Iran is a key player in the region and in the international system.

He also touched upon the Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He said the US’ withdrawal from the agreement created some problems, but Italy and Europe will spare no effort to preserve the deal and keep the channel for dialogue and diplomacy open.

The top Iranian diplomat, in turn, described Tehran-Rome ties as historical, age-old and good, and conveyed to him the warm greetings of and an invitation from Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani.

Zarif pointed to the JCPOA and Washington’s unilateral and illegal pullout from the deal, saying the United States’ relentless pressure on other countries is regarded as unusual bullying and breach of the law which will have negative short-term and long-term consequence for the international system.

“We will pass through this phase, but such an approach will create problems for the international system,” said Zarif.

The two sides also discussed the promotion of reciprocal ties, especially in the domain of economy, tackling the existing obstacles, parliamentary cooperation and other issues of mutual interest.

Japan

Later in the day, Zarif also attended a luncheon banquet hosted by his Japanese counterpart in the Italian capital, Rome.

In the Friday meeting, Zarif and his opposite number Taro Kono discussed the latest developments in Tehran-Tokyo relations.

They also exchanged views on the Iran nuclear deal as well as regional and international developments, including the situation in Yemen, Syria and North Korea.