(IRNA) - Iran and Switzerland in Bern on Thursday discussed the latest developments in Iran's peaceful nuclear case, avenues for bolstering bilateral relations as well as leading regional and international issues, reports Trend.
Deputy Iranian Foreign Minister for Europe and American Affairs Saeed Jalili met with Swiss Vice-President and Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey.
Jalili expressed his felicitations to Calmy-Rey over her election as Swiss vice-president which would start on January 1, 2007, and invited her to pay a visit to Tehran.
Pointing to new developments in the international system and failure of unilateralism in the world, he said, "Consequences of inefficiency and failure of unilateral policies and resort to force to settle international issues were seen in several elections held across the world including those recently held in the US." He said several senior officials of countries have confirmed Iran's regional and international power, adding, "It is surprising for several Western officials and analysts how imposing pressure on Iran for many years has led to strengthening of its national power.
"This is the result of good and consolidated relations between the Iranian government and people. The Iranian nation takes steps towards progress and development by relying on this important strategy."
Jalili stressed that pressure imposed on Iran due to its peaceful nuclear activities strengthened national will in the country.
He said presence of foreign powers in Afghanistan and Iraq for several years caused more instability and killed innocent people.
Calmy-Rey, for her part, pointed to Iran's crucial and effective role in the region and said Switzerland attaches special significance to bolstering relations with Tehran.
She proposed officials of the two countries to hold regular talks on various issues of mutual interest to reach more understanding.
The Swiss foreign minister added that Tehran and Bern enjoy a common stance on several international issues.