Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and visiting EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini announced on Tuesday plans for a new round of "high-level" consultations between Tehran and the European Union on various issues.
In a joint press conference after his meeting with Mogherini, Zarif said, "(The talks) will cover various topics of interest, namely energy, transportation, environment, human rights and anti-drug campaign."
Describing discussions with Mogherini on Iran-Europe relations and the nuclear accord recently concluded with the major powers as "good", Zarif said in today's meeting "we agreed to cooperate on regional challenges as well."
"We have had extensive relations with Europe and I hope now that the nuclear deal has been concluded, we can enter a new level (of relations)," the chief nuclear negotiator was quoted by Fars News Agency as saying.
He pointed to the Iranians' distrust toward the policies of western countries, saying, "It is essential that the West, particularly the US, overcome the distrust by adopting serious and rigorous policies."
Mogherini told the conference that the nuclear pact demonstrated to the world and the region that if accompanied by "resolve" and "patience", diplomacy will produce results.
Once sanctions have been removed, the Iranian economy will be open to foreign investment, she said, adding, the European Union attaches great importance to its relations with Tehran.
She called for increased cooperation between the two sides in the fight against terrorism, voicing hope that Tehran can effectively play its role in addressing regional problems.
The accord has provided an investment opportunity for both Europeans and Iranians and the full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the official name of the deal) is the best way to facilitate and encourage foreign investment in Iran's market, the EU official said.
"I have taken on a commitment to deliver a message to the region and the whole world that this agreement can improve security because it is a good and robust agreement," she added.
Mogherini, accompanied EU political director Helga Schmid, also held talks with President Hassan Rouhani and was scheduled to meet Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani.
