Iran envisions broadening Greek ties

Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki says he hopes his visit to Greece will set the stage for broadening Tehran-Athen ties and expanding mutual cooperation.

The Iranian foreign minister left Tehran for Athens Monday morning for a two-day visit to hold meetings with high-ranking Greek officials, including Greek President Karolos Papoulias and Prime Minister George Papandreou.

Speaking to reporters following his arrival in Greece, Mottaki expressed hope that giant steps will be taken during his visit to create new ground for further cooperation between the two nations during his visit to Athens.

The top Iranian diplomat touched upon Tehran-Athens age-old relations, adding the two sides have good cooperation in regional and international issues.

He also pointed to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s meeting with Greek premier in Copenhagen. President Ahmadinejad had praised growing Tehran-Athens relations.

Mottaki is scheduled to meet with Greek President Karolos Papoulias in the coming hours.

In a meeting with Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York in September, President Ahmadinejad underscored that Iran and Greece enjoy a common stance on regional and international issues, calling for further expansion of ties to establish sustainable peace and security.