TEHRAN, Aug. 17 (MNA) New Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the Islamic Republic should focus more on proactive diplomacy.Zarif made the remarks during an interview with the Mehr News Agency on Friday.
He stated that Irans foreign policy should not be limited to simply showing reactions to the global developments, adding that the country should play an active role in the world.
Zarif replaced Ali Akbar Salehi on Thursday as the parliament approved all but three of President Hassan Rohanis 18 cabinet picks, allowing the new government to start work.
The foreign minister thanked Rohani for his appointment and praised the parliamentarians for their vote of confirmation, emphasizing that he will make every effort to solve the peoples problems and help promote the image of the Islamic Republic in the world.
Zarif noted that one of the priorities of the Foreign Ministry is to deal with the Egyptian crisis, adding that extensive consultations should be held to help put an end to the crisis and save the Egyptian peoples lives.
He also spoke about his upcoming foreign visits and said that as the United Nations General Assembly and the Shanghai meetings are nearing, the Foreign Ministry will make definite decision about these trips soon.
During a separate interview with the ISNA news agency on the same day, Zarif spoke about the Foreign Ministrys plans, saying that the three year-long tenures of the Iranian diplomats in more than 50 countries have come to an end and they should be replaced.
He also said that awarding diplomatic posts to certain people, who have entered the Foreign Ministry based on their political connections rather than capabilities, is a betrayal to the country.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, and German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle held telephone conversations with Zarif on Friday, congratulating him on his confirmation and invited him to pay a visit to their countries.
By Mehr News Agency
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