President Hassan Rouhani reaffirmed Tehran's full commitment to the July nuclear deal between Iran and major powers, calling for timely and complete lifting of sanctions against Iran.
"The other side should also remain committed to its obligations and the lifting of economic sanctions [against Iran], and implement it [the agreement] completely, precisely and on time," Rouhani said in a meeting with European Parliament President Martin Schulz in Tehran on Saturday, Press TV reported.
"In line with the drive to expand their economic and trade relations, Iran and EU member countries should also improve cultural and scientific cooperation following the removal of sanctions."
Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council—the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia, plus Germany—finalized the text of an agreement on Tehran's nuclear program known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in Vienna on July 14.
Under the agreement, curbs on Iran's nuclear program will be reciprocated with the removal of sanctions imposed on Tehran by the UN, the US and the EU.
On October 18, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said in a joint statement that the 28-nation bloc had "adopted the legislative framework for the lifting of all nuclear-related economic and financial sanctions against Iran".
Decisive Anti-Terror Fight
The Iranian president underlined the need for a global campaign against terrorism.
"Iran, as a victim of terrorism, is fighting terrorism decisively and seriously," he said.
"Today more opportunities have been created for expansion of cooperation between Iran and the European Union to contribute to stability in the region."
Rouhani said Iran and the EU should tap into their potential "in favor of economic development of all countries."
Schulz said the JCPOA has presented an unprecedented chance and could usher in a new chapter in relations between Iran and the EU.
"The nuclear agreement proved that diplomacy is the best way to settle differences and serve common interests," he added.
Schulz expressed the European Parliament's willingness to facilitate promotion of bilateral and international cooperation with Iran.
Coop. to Promote Peace
In a separate meeting with visiting South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se on the same day, Rouhani said Tehran and Seoul should enhance cooperation to promote peace and stability in the Middle East and in East Asia.
The president said the two countries have always maintained cordial and growing relations.
"Iran, as a country with great capabilities and a significant position in the region, and South Korea, as an important country in East Asia, have considerable capacities to expand relations in all fields, including economic, cultural and political," he said.
Rouhani noted that Tehran and Seoul should make use of the current favorable condition to achieve progress.
Yun said South Korea is interested in improving economic cooperation with Iran.
"Giant South Korean companies are waiting for the removal of sanctions against Tehran to boost their presence in the Iranian market," he said.
The South Korean foreign minister arrived in Tehran on Saturday for the first official visit in 14 years.
