Iran’s FM Holds Talks with Top Italian Officials in Rome

Speaking in a Wednesday meeting with his Italian counterpart Angelino Alfano in Rome, Zarif hailed the good level of relations between Tehran and Rome, saying that the two countries could strengthen bilateral ties by exchanging business delegations.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian minister pointed to the US warning to Syria over alleged preparation by Damascus for a chemical attack and warned that any attack under false pretexts on the Arab country by the United States could reinforce Daesh (ISIL or ISIS) in the region.

For his part, the Italian foreign minister referred to the recent terrorist attacks in Tehran and underscored the need for the continued fight against terrorism and extremism.

On bilateral ties, Alfano noted that Italian companies’ attitude toward Iran is positive and his country is keen to boost its relations with the Islamic Republic.

The Italian official also threw his weight behind the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, acknowledging that it has helped boost regional and international security.

Earlier in the day, Zarif held a meeting with President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy, Laura Boldrini.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to expand their mutual cooperation, particularly in the parliamentary field.

Zarif and Boldrini also talked about regional issues and stressed that the ongoing problems must be resolved through talks. Immigration crisis, asylum seeking, and fight against terrorism and extremism were among other issues discussed by the two sides.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Iranian foreign minister also met with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni and discussed the expansion of ties and the most important developments across the region and the world.

Zarif, who arrived in Rome on Wednesday morning after his visit to Berlin, participated in the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) meeting held in the Italian capital.

He is expected to leave Rome for Paris on Thursday.