Deputy Foreign Minister for European and American Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi emphasized the significance of exchanging parliamentary delegations between Iran and the European Parliament to promote mutual understanding and improve ties.
Takht-Ravanchi made the remarks in a Sunday meeting with Chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs Elmar Brok, who was on a visit to Tehran at the head of a high-level parliamentary delegation, IRNA reported.
In the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on the latest progress made in the negotiations between Iran and the major powers over Tehran's nuclear program.
The deputy foreign minister outlined the potential areas for mutual cooperation in political, economic, commercial and cultural spheres and expressed Tehran's readiness to work in partnership with the EU in such fields as the fight against terrorism and extremism, the campaign to enhance regional security, trade and energy.
Commenting on the latest developments in the nuclear talks, Takht-Ravanchi said Iran is under no time pressure to reach a final with the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany). However, he noted that unless the other side comes up with excessive demands, the negotiations can reach a final conclusion before the June 30 deadline.
The senior nuclear negotiator described as "logical" Iran's resolve to engage in difficult, intensive and comprehensive talks with the major powers to help resolve the long-running standoff on its nuclear work.
Brok expressed EP's willingness to expand ties with the Islamic Republic, saying Iran's engagement in the nuclear talks will have a positive effect on mutual relations.
Explaining the EP's stance on Iran's nuclear negotiations, Brok expressed hope that the remaining issues would be resolved and an accord would be clinched before the deadline, saying such an accord would "open a new chapter in Iran-EU relations."
