In the framework of the first round of political consultations between the Iranian Foreign Ministry and Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, senior diplomats of the two countries met in Madrid on Thursday and Friday.
Majid Takht-Ravanchi, deputy foreign minister for European and American affairs, who was on a European tour, met with Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Ignacio Ybanez on Friday, IRNA reported.
The two sides discussed Spanish companies' interest in boosting economic relations with Iran in various fields, including oil and gas, infrastructure, renewable energies, tourism, automobile spare parts, agriculture and petrochemical industry.
The two officials also talked about regional and international issues, including the situation in Syria, Afghanistan and Lebanon, and the fight against terrorism and extremism. Climate change was also a matter of mutual concern.
Takht-Ravanchi praised Spain's position on developing Iran-EU relations and its constructive role in the United Nations Security Council. He highlighted the importance of mutual consultations for improving regional peace and stability.
The Spanish minister explained that Spain's policy on Iran is to foster relations in all fields, especially in the economic sphere.
"Spain pursues revival of its economic ties with Iran as one of the major trade and economy partners [in the Middle East]."
Applauding President Hassan Rouhani's initiative named "World Against Violence and Extremism" and Spain's invitation to the Alliance of Civilizations, Ybanez said implementing such plans can provide the international community with a complementary mechanism to address current security challenges. In a separate meeting on Thursday, the Iranian diplomat talked with Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo.
Along with regional and international changes, the officials exchanged views on various areas of cooperation, including transportation—especially railroad transport and high-speed trains—agriculture, mines and energy.
The deputy minister expressed disapproval of the approach adopted by certain countries toward Syrian terrorists, which divides them into "good and bad" groups, and said such measures will hamper political efforts for resolving the crisis. He hoped all regional and trans-regional players will help pave the way for taking political steps by adhering to the ceasefire agreement.
