EU assures Iran of being committed to Geneva deal

The European Union (EA) has assured Iran that the six major world powers that reached an agreement with Iran in Geneva are serious about their commitments stipulated in the deal, says Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton gave the assurance in a telephone conversation with Zarif during his visit to the Persian Gulf state of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Zarif.

Ashton expressed optimism that both sides to the Geneva agreement would be able to move the process forward, Zarif said on Wednesday at Dubai airport just before his return to Tehran.

Speaking to reporters, Zarif also talked about his UAE visit, describing it as “very good” and reiterated that the expansion of ties with regional countries remains the top priority of Iran’s foreign policy.

During his UAE visit, Zarif met and held talks with top Emirati officials. He also extended invitations by Iranian president and vice president to their Emirati counterparts to visit Iran.

The top Iranian diplomat also pointed to his formal visits to four regional states this week and stated that his aim was to discuss with Iran’s southern neighbors “problems, opportunities and realities that have brought us together in the region.”

He added that he intended to open a new chapter in terms of Iran’s ties with these states and felt that they, likewise, held a similar belief.

In addition to the UAE, Zarif this week visited Oman, Qatar and Kuwait as part of his ministry’s efforts to enhance Iran’s regional ties. He also expressed hope about better ties and cooperation with Saudi Arabia.