Addressing a group of Iranian expatriates living in Italy on Thursday, Zarif said, “Iran is a country with endogenous security, legitimacy, development and progress, and has overcome all problems and crises by relying on its own people.”
“Iran’s influence in the region is because it has not supported Al-Qaeda, Saddam Hussein, Daesh (ISIS), Nusra Front, and similar groups,” the Iranian top diplomat said, adding that Iran has made right choices.
“Iranian nationals, wherever they are, remain Iranian and their hearts beat for their country. Iranian expatriates are representatives of the honourable nation of Iran, and the foreign ministry is proud to serve the knowledgeable community of Iranian expatriates,” he added.
Zarif, who is on a one-day visit to Italy, also took part in a gathering of thinkers at Rome’s Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) earlier in the day.
During the meeting, Zarif outlined the Islamic Republic’s stances on the Iran nuclear deal, its relations with Europe, fight against terrorism, and regional issues.
The Iranian top diplomat also replied to the questions raised by other participants.
