Iran Press/Iran news: Mohammad Javad Zarif was speaking in the Iranian parliament (Majlis), and answering questions from legislators on Sunday.
Answering a question from MP "Mohammad Ali PourMokhtar", regarding the actions taken by the foreign ministry to assist national production and manufacture, the economy and national development, Zarif said: "Economy is indeed one of our top priorities at the foreign ministry and it is perhaps the most important priority."
He added: "The economic diplomacy department at the foreign ministry leads the way to facilitate Iran's trade with many countries and the world at large. We have also organised many meetings between governor generals of Iranian provinces and foreign ambassadors, to encourage business and trade."
Zarif went on to say: "We pay special attention to Iranian provinces and a special headquarters has been set up at the foreign ministry to examine the business and economy of each province. Also if Iranian expatriates wish to invest in any province in Iran, perhaps the province where they may have family connections, the foreign ministry will assist them in that matter."
Turning to Iranians living abroad Zarif said: "It is our duty to support Iranians living abroad, and to protect and defend their rights."
He added: "Two Iranians who had been unfairly jailed abroad have now been set free, and both have returned to the Islamic Republic of Iran."
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