Foreign Minister of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahain and EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, in a telephone conversation late Tuesday, discussed and exchanged views on some topics of mutual interest, including the Niger crisis, the Ukraine war, the relations between Iran and the European Union, as well as the removal of sanctions, Iran Press reports.
Amir-Abdollahian called the recent release of Iranian funds in South Korea a positive development, saying, "In the case of the other parties' serious will, the return to the agreement and their commitments is within reach."
The top Iranian diplomat also pointed to the cooperation between Iran and the IAEA, and said, "Now both sides are on the right path of cooperation."
He criticized the European Union's non-constructive approach in terms of the continuation of the ineffective policy of sanctions, and said, "Sanctions are an unfriendly measure in the relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Europe."
Amir-Abdollahian further told Borrell that "the continuation of the current situation is not in Europe's interest".
He went on to express his concern about the ongoing crisis in Niger, stating that "we are closely following the developments in that country".
"We emphasize the importance of the rule of law in Niger and, definitely the need for avoiding any military intervention. In the meantime, we consider the blockade on Niger to be a factor for deepening the people's problems," he added.
Borrell, for his part, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in the relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the countries of the region.
Referring to the results obtained at this stage of Iran's indirect discussions with the US, Burrell said, "I believe that some misunderstandings between Iran and Europe can be resolved through dialogue."
The EU Foreign Policy Chief emphasized the importance of the cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the IAEA, and added, "I would like to stress that I will use all my efforts to resume the talks and ultimately revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and I am optimistic about the outcome."
While referring to the developments in Palestine, Burrell added; "We also always defend the rights of Palestinians."
