Finnish Foreign Minister, Pekka Haavisto

The Finnish Foreign Minister, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, said that Europe does not follow US sanctions on Iran.

Iran Press/Europe: Speaking to Euronews on Thursday night, Pekka Haavisto, announced that tensions in the Persian Gulf would be discussed with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, during his visit to Finland.

He also added that discussion topics in the meetings would include bilateral relations, international and regional issues and Finland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.

According to the Finnish Foreign Minister,  the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is "very important" and should be preserved, as previously stated by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.

Haavisto went on to add that: "The EU does not follow the US policy of sanctions against Iran, as previously stated in the EU foreign policy agenda."

Zarif is due to travel to Finland on Monday, August 19 and will continue his trip from Finland to Sweden and Norway.

During his trip to Finland, Mohammad Javad Zarif will visit his Finnish counterpart, Pekka Haavisto, and President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö.

Finland has taken over the rotating presidency of the European Union since July 1.

The Finnish Foreign Ministry has emphasized that it wishes to know about Tehran's ideas for reducing tensions in the region during Mohammad Javad Zarif's visit to Helsinki. 101/218

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