IRI foreign minister emphasized here Wednesday Iran is interested in expansion of ties with Europe and welcomes political ties with an independent EU in its foreign relations.
According to IRNA night service, the IRI Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information and Media Head Office, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki made the remark in a meeting with the new Ambassador of Ireland Oliver Grunion after receiving a copy of his credentials.
Mottaki in the meeting criticized the European Union's unconditional obedience of the US Congress decisions in imposing unilateral sanctions against Iran, reiterating, "The recent EU move showed how instable Europe is in its decision making and how much the EU is under the influence of the transatlantic policies in its foreign policy making."
He added, "Keeping in mind the EU's approaches in recent years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has decreased a noticeable volume of its relations with Europe."
The Iranian foreign minister emphasized, "We have proved with our rapid advancement in scientific, agricultural, aerospace, modern technological, and other fields that without reliance on foreign support we can take such long strides."
Mottaki meanwhile emphasized that Iran is ready for expansion of relations with Ireland, arguing, "During the past few years the Islamic Republic of Iran's partners in Europe have been changing and the volume of our cooperation with our new partners has been increasing."
The New Irish ambassador, too, in the meeting described the two countries' relations as good.
Grunion added, "During the course of the past few years noticeable efforts have been made aimed at expansion of relations and we hope to increase Ireland's cooperation with Iran in various fields."