Meeting with Swedish FM:
Going ahead with his diplomatic meetings in New York, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, met at his residence, with his Swedish counterpart Tobias Billström.
In the meeting, the top Iranian diplomat touched upon the several phone conversations he had had with his Swedish counterpart over recent months, saying important issues exist in different domains to be discussed, “but the most significant issue is the ongoing desecration of the holy Quran in your country.”
The Iranian foreign minister said the feelings of two billion Muslims across the globe have been hurt by repeated insults to the holy Quran in Sweden.
“Defending Swedish values at the expense of ignoring the values of two billion Muslims in the world is not acceptable. So, I want to emphasize the importance and necessity of the Swedish government’s responsibility and accountability in this regard,” he said.
“As for exchanging ambassadors, we are awaiting a good move about the holy Quran in Sweden,” said Amir-Abdollahian.
He also referred to the condition of Iranian national Hamid Nouri, who is behind bars in Sweden, saying, “Undoubtedly, behind Mr. Nouri’s case are members of the Mojahedin Khalq Organization (MKO), who have the blood of thousands of Iranian citizens on their hands, and we expect the Swedish government to make a rational and brave decision while reviewing the appeal against the case and release him.”
The Swedish foreign minister, in turn, said the history of ties between Iran and Sweden is full of cooperation, voicing his country’s readiness for positive and constructive cooperation in various spheres.
He added, there is no place for Islamophobia in Sweden, and that his country favors religious tolerance.
Billström expressed Stockholm’s willingness to continue talks and cooperation with Tehran.
He also discussed certain consular issues of interest to his country.
Meeting with Eritrean counterpart:
Continuing his diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met، at his residence، with his Eritrean counterpart Osman Saleh Mohammed.
In the meeting, issues of mutual interest in the domain of bilateral ties were discussed.
Amir-Abdollahian touched upon the Iranian government’s due regard for Africa and the importance of Africa in Iran’s foreign relations and cooperation, saying, “There is a memorandum of understanding between the two sides on some development issues, and I hope we will be able to implement already reached agreements together.”
The Iranian foreign minister described Africa as a wealthy continent in terms of material and spiritual resources as well as manpower, adding Iran stands ready to work with Eritrea in different areas of mutual interest.
Amir-Abdollahinan invited his counterpart to travel to Iran, which was welcomed by the top Eritrean diplomat.
Meeting with with Nicaragua FM:
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met at his residence with his Nicaraguan counterpart Denis Moncada.
 Raisi and his Nicaraguan counterpart Daniel Ortega as well as the good agreements reached between the two countries on economic cooperation.
“We need to give fresh impetus to our relations. We have [signed] good documents and agreements in such areas as agriculture, technology and energy, and we need to seriously pursue the implementation of these agreements,” Amir-Abdollahian added.
He emphasized the necessity of laying the groundwork for holding a meeting of the two countries’ Joint Economic Commission.
Moncada, for his part, said his country has delineated a very bright road for bilateral relations, and that the stage is set for cooperation and the promotion of relations.
He said Iran and Nicaragua are two countries with good agriculture sectors and can have good cooperation in this field.
He noted there have been positive developments and good dynamism in relations between the two countries in recent months, adding a climate of solidarity ad friendship prevails. The two countries have had good cooperation on the international arena as well, and we are ready for further promotion of that trend.
Meeting with UN Syria envoy:
Amir-Abdollahian also met with Geir Pedersen, the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Syria.
In the meeting, Amir-Abdollahian touched upon the tough economic conditions of Syria and the impact of sanctions on Syrian people’s day-to-day life, saying economy and people’s livelihood, war on terror, uprooting the remnants of terrorists, sending humanitarian aid and the return of refugees are among issues which the UN is expected to help the Syrian government and people with.
Pedersen, for his part, presented a report on his mission in Syria, and expressed his views on the political trend in Syria, fighting terror and issues of refugees while expressing his gratitude for the Islamic Republic of Iran’s supportive role.
Meeting with Malian counterpart:
The top Iranian diplomat also met with his Malian counterpart Abdoulaye Diop while in New York.
In the meeting, issues of mutual interests in the domain of bilateral ties were discussed.
Amir-Abdollahian referred to the good relations between the two countries on different fronts, saying the two sides can boost this cooperation in various areas of mutual interests, namely health and medical treatment.
“Agreements in the fields of science and technology, education, agriculture, health and medical treatment are also being followed up,” he explained.
“The two countries’ Joint Economic Cooperation Commission is scheduled to meet in the near future, which will be an ideal opportunity to boost economic cooperation between the two countries,” the top Iranian diplomat explained.
Diop, in turn, said he was pleased with the meeting, and expressed his gratitude for the considerable progress made in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign relations.
He noted the enhancement of economic and trade relations between the two countries complements and strengthens political ties, welcoming the expansion of mutual cooperation in that field.
The two foreign ministers also stressed their respective countries’ willingness to boost relations and enhance cooperation in the fields of science and technology, animal husbandry, industry, medicine and medical treatment.
MNA/MFA