Netherlands Says Iran ‘Indispensable’ In Tackling Regional Issues
By Mehdi Sepahvand
Iran is an indispensable part to the process of tackling the problems prevailing the region, Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Bert Koenders said.
Koenders made the remarks during a press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, Trend correspondent reported from Tehran September 20.
“We have to find peace and stability for the region,” he asserted, adding, “I welcome the efforts by the Iranian government to engage in productive talks on topics which we will be discussing in the United Nations in a few weeks; issues like Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and others.”
Koenders added that he and other Iranian officials will discuss regional issues such as human rights, drug smuggling, and human trafficking later in the day.
Commenting on efforts to strengthen ties between the Netherlands and Iran, he said his country is committed to engage in close cooperation with Iran, especially in the areas of gas, oil, maritime industries, as well as agriculture.
This is an exceptional moment for Iran and the Netherlands with over 90 years of diplomatic relations and the talks today followed the deepening of equitable relations in all political, economic, and cultural areas, Koenders pointed to his country’s plans to strengthen ties with Iran in the post-sanctions era.
He said the nuclear conclusion between Iran and world powers has been “a victory for multinational diplomacy and the policy of engagement”.
“The task now is to put the JCPOA into practice, which will be a priority for the Dutch government,” he underlined.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was made between Iran and the group 5+1 (the US, UK, France, Russia,China, and Germany) on July 14. It lifts economic sanctions on Iran in return for curbing the country’s nuclear program.
