Zarif: political dialogue can lead formation of a regional forum

Talking to reporters in Helsinki Monday evening local time about the objectives of his visit, he said the political dialogue was a chance to consider formation of a similar regional forum.

He noted that the process of launching a political dialogue and extensive economic relations with Finland started with the visit of a Finnish delegation to Iran which was one of the biggest ones in the history of Finland’s foreign relations.

He expressed satisfaction over the “very good” talks with Finland’s private sector so far.

Noting that representatives of the Iranian private sector are accompanying him in the Finland visit, the foreign minister said expansion of economic relations was a major objective of his European tour.

He further explained that the Helsinki political dialogue program which has recently started by the Finnish government is based on a proposal by Iran years ago.

In the second leg of his European tour, Zarif arrived in Finland's capital Helsinki on Monday.

He is expected to address the Helsinki Policy Forum on Tuesday morning.

The foreign minister is also scheduled to meet with former Finland president and the country's parliament speaker.

He will also confer with Finish Foreign Minister Timo Soini and will attend a joint press conference along with his counterpart.

Zarif is also expected to attend Iran and Finland trade-economic forum during the trip there.

Iran's top diplomat, heading a politico-economic delegation left Tehran on Sunday to visit Poland, Finland, Sweden and Latvia respectively.

In Poland, he discussed issues of mutual interest with polish officials.

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