Foreign ministers of Iran, Serbia discuss relations, international issues

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic have discussed ways to promote relations in different sectors and leading regional and international developments.

"We intend to expand relations between the two countries in all political, economic, cultural and parliamentary fields," Zarif said in a meeting with the Serbian foreign minister in Belgrade on Monday, Press TV reported.

He welcomed a decision passed by the Serbian government in August to lift visa requirements for Iranian nationals and noted that the possible establishment of a direct flight between the two countries would lead to a considerable increase in trade ties.

Zarif added that Tehran and Belgrade can also boost cooperation in the sectors of oil, gas, petrochemistry, mines, communications and agriculture.

The FM said he carries President Hassan Rouhani's official invitation for his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic to pay a visit to Tehran.

The Serbian foreign minister, for his part, expressed his country's keenness to strengthen all-out relations with Iran, particularly in trade and economic fields.

Zarif and Dacic also exchanged views about avenues for increasing cooperation in defense, science and technology as well as culture arenas.

Heading a politico-economic delegation, Zarif arrived in Belgrade earlier in the day at the first step of a four-nation tour of East Europe.

During his two-day visit, the top Iranian diplomat plans to hold talks with senior Serbian officials. He is also scheduled to take part in a meeting between the Iranian and Serbian entrepreneurs.

At the end of his stay in Belgrade, Zarif would also travel to Bulgaria, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

SS