Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif believes Algeria can play a critical role in helping defuse regional conflicts, including crises in Syria and Yemen.
The foreign minister, who arrived in Algiers on Tuesday as part of a regional tour, made the remark in a meeting with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Wednesday, IRNA reported.
"Algeria's role as an important country, which has principled positions on [the issues relating to] the Middle East and North Africa, is useful and constructive in [addressing] regional crises such as Syria and Yemen," Zarif said.
The Algerian president called for improved ties in political, economic and cultural spheres.
Pointing to the common threats of terrorism and extremism, Bouteflika emphasized the need for increased unity among the countries in the region in the face of the scourges.
Ideal Opportunity
In a separate meeting with Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal, Zarif said the recent nuclear deal between Iran and major powers presents an ideal opportunity to follow a diplomatic approach in the Middle East to deal with problems.
On July 14, Iran reached a historic nuclear agreement with the P5+1 (the US, Britain, France, China, Russia, and Germany) aimed at limiting Tehran's nuclear program for specified durations in exchange for scrapping sanctions.
"The nuclear deal showed that [world powers] cannot use a threatening language to deal with independent and developing countries, but they should speak in the language of respect," Zarif said.
The top diplomat expressed Iran's desire to enter into dialogue with regional states. It is essential that dialogue be established among MENA countries, so making efforts to prepare the ground for negotiations is a main objective of Tehran's diplomatic efforts, he noted.
Zarif also hoped for increased bilateral relations, with a focus on the economy. The Algerian prime minister congratulated Iran on the nuclear deal, saying Iran did a good job of ensuring its rights.
The two countries already have excellent ties, he said, adding that Algeria is determined to take further steps to help boost mutual cooperation.
Sellal stressed that all countries of the region need to engage in efforts to overcome challenges in a tactful way.
