Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif said that Finland set out an initiative for dialogue in the Persian Gulf which is almost similar to the plan Iran has earlier offered.

Iran Press/Europe: Speaking to the reporters upon arrival in Helsinki, Zarif said: "A few years ago I came to Helsinki, and raised the initiative of a regional dialogue forum in the Persian Gulf. The Finnish have always been interested in these issues." Iran Press reported.

Zarif referred to the necessity of talks with European officials about Iran's regional issues, noting that "Finland, Sweden, and Norway are all active in regional issues. Sweden was responsible for the first Yemen summit, and Norway seeks to organize a summit on Afghanistan."

He went on to add that: "It is necessary to hold broad consultations on ongoing tensions in West Asia given the special situation of the region."

He pointed out the European Union's commitments within the framework of the Comprehensive Joint Action Plan (JCPOA), adding that "Especially ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York, It is necessary to work for such coordination given the current special situation we have."

Zarif traveled to Finland to hold talks with Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto; Development, Cooperation and Foreign Trade Minister Ville Skinnari, and Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto. 

Discussion topics in the meetings will include bilateral relations, international and regional issues, Iran nuclear deal known as JCPOA, Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) and Finland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.

He will continue his trip from Finland to Sweden and Norway. 205/218

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