FM Warns Norway of Negative Consequences of Expelling Iranian Students

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a meeting with Norwegian Ambassador to Tehran Aud Lise Norheim cautioned Oslo of the negative consequences of expelling Iranian university students from Norway, AVA Diplomatic reports.The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) has recently restricted the renewal and issuance of visa and resident permit for Iranian students and skilled workers apparently due to the sanctions against Iran.

“Norway will be harmed by the negative impacts that these expulsions leave on the public opinion in Iran and university circles, because Iranian university students are in that country for academic reasons, “Zarif said during the meeting in Tehran on Monday evening.

Meantime, the Iranian top diplomat expressed the hope that the two countries’ relations would further expand during Norheim’s tenure in Iran.Norheim, for her part, expressed pleasure in her presence in Tehran as Norway’s ambassador, and said, “I discussed the conditions of Iranian students prior to my departure from Norway and I am looking for a solution to this problem.”

She also expressed the hope that certain measures would be taken so that no more Iranian student would face such problems in the future.

The new Norwegian envoy to Tehran also emphasized the significance of increased cooperation between Iran and Norway and the need for exchange of delegations in various levels between the two countries.