The Italian foreign minister described Iran's role in addressing regional challenges as "decisive".
Paolo Gentiloni made the remarks in a meeting with Leader's representative and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani in Tehran on Sunday.
Referring to the nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany), the Italian official expressed hope that the two sides would reach a comprehensive agreement on Tehran's nuclear program and said, "Iran's assistance in dealing with regional challenges, particularly (its role in) the fight against the extremist Islamic State (IS) group is so effective and decisive," ISNA reported.
The top Italian diplomat described terrorism as the greatest challenge threatening the region and the world, noting, "Mounting an effective campaign against terrorist groups to bring peace and stability to the region can be achieved only through (building) collective will in the world."
Gentiloni said Italy attaches great significance to relations with Iran in political, economic and cultural areas and is keen to promote bilateral ties.
Shamkhani, for his part, pointed to the two countries' ancient civilizations and stressed the necessity of utilizing the existing capacities to expand economic, cultural and political cooperation.
Elsewhere, he said Tehran had already warned against arming terrorist groups to help them confront the legitimate administration in Syria, adding that the current terror threats around the world are the result of the wrong policies of some western states and their regional allies.
West Needs to Revise Policies
He continued that the failure to review and revise the previous policies will escalate regional instability and insecurity.
Referring to the Iran-P5+1 nuclear talks, the SNSC chief elaborated on the consequences of a good nuclear agreement for both parties, underlining the necessity of a decision by the West to lift all "illegal" sanctions against Iran and take confidence-building measures in response to Iran's goodwill and cooperation.
If the negotiating parties show "sincerity" and "seriousness", a good agreement is feasible, a deal which would respect Iran's nuclear rights and be based on the framework of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, he added. In a separate development, the senior Italian official met with Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani on Saturday.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran's policies over the past years have been intended to help establish lasting security and peace in the region," IRNA quoted Larijani as saying.
Referring to the "positive backdrop" of Tehran-Rome relations in the past and the "new atmosphere" created in their mutual ties, he said, "There are great opportunities for Iran and Italy in various economic, business and political areas which could be used to expand bilateral relations."
In addition, the Italian foreign minister stressed his country's policy to help preserve peace and stability in different regions and called terrorism the greatest threat to the region and the world.
"International resolve" is needed to promote peace and stability in the region and combat terrorism, he added.
The director of the Center for Strategic Research of the Expediency Council also conferred met with the Italian foreign minister on Sunday, IRNA reported.
Ali Akbar Velayati referred to the nuclear talks between Iran and the six major powers and said, "I suppose the recent talks in Vienna and Geneva revealed more than ever before that Iran's demands have been within the framework of international law," IRNA reported.
Gentiloni said, for his part, the long-standing relations between the two countries have seen "ups and downs" over the past years but never been broken off, adding that efforts should be made to reinforce mutual ties.
