Swedish FM: Europeans Trying to Increase Trade Ties with Iran

Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom underlined that despite the US sanctions, European states are seeking to keep open and boost their trade and economic ties with Iran.

“Despite the US withdrawal from the JCPOA, European countries, including Sweden have underlined preserving the deal and are trying to enhance their economic and trade ties with Iran,” Wallstrom said in a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi on Wednesday, who is currently in Stockholm to attend the fourth round of Iran-Sweden political consultations.

She stressed her country’s political resolve to maintain talks, cooperation and interaction with Iran in various fields, she said, “The JCPOA is an international accord based on multilateralism from which all countries benefited.”
Wallstrom also appreciated Iran for its goodwill and support to Yemeni-Yemeni talks recently held in Stockholm, and stressed the necessity for continued cooperation with Iran.

Araqchi, for his part, thanked Sweden for its constructive and positive stances regarding development of cooperation and interaction with Iran and actively supporting JCPOA.

He called for further support to JCPOA by the European states.

“Iran’s regional policy has always based on interaction in line with establishing peace, stability, development and diplomatic processes, as it will continue its constructive role for Yemeni-Yemeni talks’ success,” he said.

Araqchi and his Swedish counterpart Annika Soder held fourth round of political consultations to discuss bilateral ties and latest developments on JCPOA.

On May 8, US President Donald Trump announced his country's withdrawal from the JCPOA. President Trump's move was followed by other parties' condemnation as well as emphasis to stay in the deal.

source: FARS News Agency