Zarif: Iran seeks optimal level of cooperation with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stated Monday that Iran seeks to develop cooperation relations with regional countries, especially Saudi Arabia, to reach its optimal levels in the near future. "There is a constant in Iran's foreign policy which is to reach optimal level of cooperation relations with countries of the region, especially the neighboring ones, at the forefront of which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Zarif said in a joint press conference with Lebanese counterpart Adnan Mansour. "Iran is seeking to create better neighborly relations based on respect for mutual interests. Good relations with Saudi Arabia help achieve the best for the region," he said. Zarif went on to say that "the common challenges facing Lebanon and Iran, and all regional countries, which require united efforts in confronting the most dangerous phenomenon threatening the region, namely that of terrorism and extremism." The Iranian top diplomat reiterated his country's support to the international efforts to help reach a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Syria. In this regard, he pointed out that Iran will attend the planned UN-sponsored Geneva II conference on Syria, planned January 22, if it was invited. On the recent Iran's nuclear deal with the P5+1, Zarif said that the deal is step in a long path to build confidence with the Western countries particularly the United States. He lauded the strong and special bonds linking Iranian and Lebanese leadership and people. For his part, Mansour underlined Lebanon and Iran share the same view with regards to working together in the international community to combat terrorism. He added that they both agreed over the need for dialogue and a political solution to the Syrian crisis. "We look forward together to Geneva II in order to find a suitable solution to end the Syrian crisis, and we look forward to the participation of Iran in said conference, in light of its regional and international presence," Mansour added. He, however, noted that whether or not Iran attends the "Geneva II Conference" shall not undermine its significant role in resolving the region's crises in peaceful ways.