EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini insisted Tuesday during a visit to Tehran that she made the trip to begin implementation of the nuclear accord with Iran.
Iranian state TV highlighted the visit, broadcasting EU foreign policy chief Mogherini's press conference with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
Mogherini said she wanted to ensure the “smooth implementation” of the nuclear accord between Iran and the international community, which she said would pave the way toward better relations.
"Implementing in full the agreement is the best possible way of opening up the way of investments and trade relations with Europe," she said. "My personal role in facilitating this process [is] making sure the implementation from all sides will be substantial and consistent."
The EU foreign policy chief stressed she was intent on delivering the same message to all states in the region: the nuclear agreement is “a good one,” and would build trust, confidence and cooperation.
“This agreement is an agreement that is going to improve the security of this region, being an agreement that is a solid one, a good one. This gives us the potential to build on it," said Mogherini.
Zarif followed up by insisting Tehran has always lived up to its treaty obligations and would do so this time, as well. He added, though, that the world community, and especially the US, would have to make an effort to dispel decades of mistrust.
Mogherini met Monday with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir in Riyadh during the first leg of her visit to the region. Jubeir complained about what he called Iranian “expansionism” in the region.
Zarif also has visited several Arab states, including Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar, to indicate Tehran is hoping to open a new chapter in regional relations.
