Meeting between the High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif

The High Representative and Vice President Federica Mogherini met this evening with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Brussels.

During the meeting, HRVP F. Mogherini and Iranian Foreign Minister J. Zarif discussed the Iranian nuclear talks and agreed that time cannot be wasted in view of an agreement.

"We affirmed our strong commitment to a diplomatic solution which would fully address international concerns about the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear issue. Negotiations have to be brought to a conclusion in line with the agreed time", said Mogherini.

The High Representative and the Iranian Foreign minister also discussed a wide range of topics, from human rights to the major regional crisis in the Middle East, such as in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the common threat posed by Da'esh.

They also talked about regional dynamics. The HRVP emphasized that "the relationship between Iran and other countries of the region is crucial for regional stability. The EU feels the current security situation in the region has created an urgent need for regional powers to consult and co-operate, defuse sectarian tensions and address the root causes of the rise of Da'esh and the crises in Syria and Iraq".

She encouraged Iran to use its considerable influence to help create a more inclusive and stable Iraq, which is in both the EU's and Iran's interests, but also to contribute to a political solution to the Syrian crisis by supporting United Nations Special Envoy for the Syria crisis Staffan de Mistura.