Iran Press/ America: Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met with Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican secretary for relations, on the fringes of the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In the meeting, Amir-Abdollahian said the Pope’s ideas as well as holding talks and cooperation with the Vatican are significant for the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“Dialog among leaders and followers of divine faiths in the current situation of the world, especially at a time when holy books are desecrated, is all the more important,” said the Iranian foreign minister.
“Certain government’s move to authorize the desecration of religious sanctities and divine books under the pretext of freedom of speech is not defensible,” the top Iranian diplomat explained.
“So, given the importance of this issue, Dr. Raisi highlighted it in his address to the United Nations General Assembly,” Amirabdollahian added.
He thanked the Pope for condemning the burning of the holy Quran, saying all European countries should also condemn the move.
Amir-Abdollahian further touched upon the Ukraine crisis and Iran’s efforts to establish peace and end the war, enumerating Iran’s principled stances on that.
“Iran does not regard war as a solution, and backs any initiative aimed at establishing peace in Ukraine,” said Amir-Abdollahian.
He said the region suffers from the scourge of terrorism, saying special global attention to this issue is a must.
He denounced certain countries’ using sanctions as a political tool against other countries and nations, adding the perpetuation of sanctions will not only have inhumane consequences but also further complicate regional issues.
Amir-Abdollahian also conveyed to the Vatican secretary for relations Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s greetings addressed to the Pope.
Gallagher in turn said he was pleased with the meeting, and expressed his gratitude to the Iranian foreign minister for expressing important views.
He expressed content with the resumption of diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, saying it will have positive impacts on the region.
As for Ukraine, the Vatican's secretary for relations said everyone should help to establish peace.
He stressed that dialog is important for, and contributes to the settlement of global problems and issues, expressing his readiness to hold talks with the Iranian side on issues of mutual interest.
205
Read More:
