Virtual Political Talks With Bulgaria

The second round of political consultations between Iran and Bulgaria was held virtually on Monday at the level of deputy foreign ministers.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi and his Bulgarian counterpart Georg Georgiev exchanged views on issues related to bilateral relations, regional and international issues.
The two sides also discussed latest developments related to Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, IRNA reported.  
While stressing the importance of preserving the agreement as a diplomatic achievement, Araqchi underlined the unconditional return of the United States and the complete lifting of sanctions as a basic condition for the full implementation of JCPOA commitments.
He also noted that Iran’s nuclear steps are in line with the deal’s provisions and have been made in response to the non-fulfillment of commitments by the US and Europe.
The deal was abandoned by the United States and hardly implemented by Europe. Iran reduced its commitments in response to bring balance between its rights and obligations. 
The Bulgarian diplomat also expressed his country’s support for the preservation of the landmark agreement. 
“We, along with the European Union, have been opposed to the US withdrawal from the JCPOA from the beginning and have worked to save it,” he said, stressing the need to use diplomatic tools to resolve disputes.
Araqchi also highlighted the increase in economic exchanges between the two countries last year and called for the use of all capacities to promote those relations.  
Georgiev also stressed Bulgaria’s interest in developing comprehensive relations with Iran related to political, economic, cultural and international issues.
Expanding ties between the parliaments of the two countries was another topic broached by Iran.
Both countries expressed their desire to expand cooperation in the field of tourism after subsidence of the pandemic.