Belgian FM underlines broadening of Tehran-Brussels ties

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders in a meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran on Sunday called for the further expansion of the countries' ties in different areas, specially in economic fields. Reynders pointed to the good relations between Iran and Belgium, and said, “The two countries' relations date back to the 19th century and Brussels is willing to expand these ties.” He noted that a Belgian economic delegation is slated to visit Tehran soon, and expressed the hope that after the achievement of a comprehensive nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers in the near future, the Iranian economy would grow and normal economic relations between Iran and Europe would be revived. The Belgian foreign minister hailed Iran for its efforts with regard to the Afghan refugees and campaign against drug trafficking, and said, “Iran and Belgium can have vast cooperation in prevention and fight against drug trafficking.” The Belgian foreign minister arrived in Tehran on Saturday to discuss the latest international and regional developments as well as mutual cooperation with senior Iranian officials. During his stay in Iran, the top Belgian diplomat met his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif. He is also slated to hold talks with other senior Iranian officials.