Tehran, Aug 5, IRNA – British Undersecretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tobias Ellwood voiced readiness in expanding cooperation with Iran.

In a meeting with Iran’s Charge d’affaires in London Mohammad Hassan Habibollahzadeh, he said his government is quite aware of Iran’s important and strategic role in the Middle East and is interested in promoting cooperation with Tehran on regional issues with the aim of developing political solutions to existing crises.

He welcomed the recent nuclear deal between Iran and the 5+1 and said it could play a major role in developing a common understanding and apt ground of cooperation on issues relating to the Middle East.

Referring to the old-standing relations between Tehran and London, the British official further highlighted the existing high potential for cooperation between the two countries.

He said London favors speedy settlement of any issue of differences so that it could start more frank talks with Tehran.

Ellwood stressed that the UK was certainly seeking useful and constructive talks with Iran.

The Iranian diplomat pointed to the enthusiasm of European and Asian countries for initiating long-term trade and economic relations with Iran through dispatching ranking political and economic delegations.

He further expressed his hope for re-opening of the UK and Iran embassies in Tehran and London in near future which he believed would pave the way for expansion of mutual relations.

Underlining Iran’s resolution to fight terrorism and extremism in the region, he said in the aftermath of the Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action, Iran was focusing on nurturing its regional role.

By IRNA