Ample grounds for Iran, Netherlands to bolster relations: Zarif

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif hails cordial relations between Iran and the Netherlands, saying there are plenty of grounds for the two countries to strengthen cooperation in a variety of fields.

“There are many opportunities for bilateral cooperation between the two countries in different fields,” Zarif said in a joint press conference with Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders in Amsterdam on Thursday.

He added that Tehran and Amsterdam have always maintained amicable and deep-rooted relations.

The top Iranian diplomat arrived in Amsterdam on Wednesday on the second leg of his European tour at the head of a top delegation to hold talks with senior Dutch officials.

The Dutch foreign minister, for his part, said Tehran and Amsterdam have a very good opportunity to improve relations following the implementation of last year’s nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), between Iran and the 5+1 group of countries.

Koenders added that in the talks with his Iranian counterpart, they exchanged views about leading issues in the Middle East, particularly the latest developments in Iraq and Syria.

The Iranian FM also on Thursday met with Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Ahmet Uzumcu.

Zarif paid tribute to the victims of chemical weapons by laying a wreath at a monument built for them.

SS