Tehran, Iran, September 20
By Mehdi Sepahvand -- Trend:
The Netherlands Foreign Minister Bert Koenders said as the to-be European Union president, his country will do its best to strengthen ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Koenders made the remarks in a press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, Trend correspondent reported from Tehran September 20.
In the first half of 2016 the Netherlands will hold the presidency of the European Union for the 12th time. The previous Dutch presidency was in 2004.
Koenders said the EU leadership and all the member countries will make sure that the Iranian nuclear deal is implemented in all its aspects.
"Netherlands will try to make sure during its presidency that this leads to what we all want, that is, improved relationships," he reiterated.
In the EU, the European Commission proposes new legislation. These proposals are jointly discussed by the national governments of the 28 member states (the Council) in meetings that are normally chaired by the rotating presidency. The European Parliament also debates the proposals. The Council and the Parliament then jointly decide on the details of the final proposal.
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.