Iran stresses Italy’s role in expansion of Iran-EU ties

Deputy Foreign Minister Morteza Sarmadi said Monday that Italy plays a special role in promotion of ties between Iran and the European Union, AVA Diplomatic reports.Sarmadi made the remarks in a meeting to bid farewell to outgoing Italian ambassador to Tehran Luca Giansanti.

Sarmadi voiced Iranˈs readiness for enhanced ties with Italy.

Referring to high level of trade between the two countries in the past, Sarmadi expressed hope that Tehran-Rome trade exchange would return to previous levels.

On nuclear negotiations between Iran and the six world nations, the deputy foreign minister said certain countries could pave the way for reaching a comprehensive deal with Iran if they stopped seeking excessive demands.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Sarmadi touched upon the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and said lifting the Israeli blockade on Gaza should be part of any ceasefire plan.

He expressed deep concern over the situation in the besieged Gaza Strip and criticized silence of the international organizations on whatˈs happening in the impoverished Palestinian district.

Meanwhile, the Italian ambassador expressed satisfaction with excange of visits to Tehran and Rome by the foreign ministers of both countries over the past few months.

He said Iran and Italy enjoy abundant capacities for expansion of bilateral cooperation.