(IRNA) - Italian deputy prime minister and foreign minister in a meeting with Iran's ambassador to Rome said, "Iran is a big country with old culture and civilization that can play leadership role in the region."
Iran's Ambassador to Rome Abolfazl Zohrehvand in a meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema discussed with him issues of mutual interest, especially bilateral ties and regional developments, reports Trend.
In the meeting, D'Alema called bilateral ties between the two countries 'important' and emphasized the increasing international and regional role of Iran.
He said current developments in the international and regional ties show undeniable role of Iran and the world community needs Iran's cooperation for establishing peace and stability in the region.
D'Alema expressed Italian senior officials' intention to develop relations in all fields with Islamic Republic of Iran and added Italy, as a friendly country to Iran, is ready to play a positive role in the region.
Concerning the necessity of cooperation among international community members to fight against terrorism the Italian foreign minister referred to the Italian efforts for holding an international conference on Afghanistan and said, "Iran will certainly play a major role in the conference."
Describing situation in Lebanon and Palestine critical, D'Alema asked for Iran's help for establishment of peace and tranquility in the region.
The Iranian ambassador, for his part, explained Iran's stances and viewpoints concerning the latest developments in the Middle East region, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Palestine and Iran's peaceful nuclear activity and expressed Iran's readiness to expand and develop joint cooperation, bilateral economic and political relations with Italy.