Europe: According to an Iran Press report, foreign minister Zarif has arrived in Rome to take part in the annual Mediterranean Dialogues Conference (MED) in Italy, the foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi confirmed.
After his arrival in Rome on wednesday night, Zarif said: "The Mediterranean Dialogues Conference (MED) provides a good opportunity to set out Iran's stance vis-a-vis the very dangerous situation in the Middle East, America's unilateralism and its policies in the Middle East, and the situation of extremists and terrorists in the region. I will also have talks with senior Italian officials, other foreign ministers, Iranians living in Italy, and Italian businessmen and industrialists, on the sidelines of the conference."
Foreign minister Zarif is slated to meet with Italy's foreign minister, Enzo Moavero Milanesi, and the speaker of the Italian parliament, Roberto Fico.
Zarif who is visiting Italy upon an official invitation of the country's foreign minister, will deliver a speech at MED, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said.
It is expected, according to the spokesman, that representatives from 56 countries attend the conference.
The Iranian foreign minister participated in and addressed the third round of MED last year.
On November 19, European Union Foreign Policy Chief said work is continuing on the special purpose vehicle (SPV) aimed at facilitating trade with Iran following the reimposition of US sanctions on the country, but gave no specific date as to when it is going to be implemented.
“You have to ask the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK. Our work continues, their work continues and we support it,” Federica Mogherini said in response to a question as to when the SPV is going to be ready. 103
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