Irans President Hassan Rouhani says he wants his New York visit to lay the groundwork for the Islamic Republic and the US to develop better relations.I want this trip to be the first step toward better ties between the Iranian and American nations; and in terms of the two governments, we seek to at least prevent more tensions and prepare the ground for achieving common interests, Rouhani told reporters at a press conference in New York on Friday.
He added that his four-day trip to New York produced good results, expressing hope the visit would initiate better and constructive relations with world countries.
During our presence in New York, we practically sought [to make] a more precise assessment of the new international climate after the inauguration of the [new Iranian] administration and I think we had good achievements in that regard, Rouhani stated.
The Iranian president noted that he held talks with world leaders on the sidelines of the 68th Session of the UN General Assembly on ways to rebuild Irans regional and international status, adding that certain agreements and good achievements were made in that regard.
We sought to improve ties with all negotiating sides and I think the achievements were more than expected and the ground is prepared for broader relations, the Iranian president pointed out.
President Rouhani also noted that his talks with the officials of different countries on fighting terrorism and weapons of mass destruction were fruitful.
Irans right to peaceful nuclear technology was also emphasized during talks with world leaders and officials, President Rouhani underscored.
Later on Friday, Rouhani and his American counterpart Barack Obama held a telephone conversation, the first direct communication between an Iranian and a US president since Irans Islamic Revolution of 1979, as the Iranian president was wrapping up his visit to New York.
The two presidents stressed Tehran and Washingtons political will to swiftly resolve the Wests dispute over Irans nuclear energy program, and exchanged viewpoints on various topics, including cooperation on different regional issues.
The phone conversation between Rouhani and Obama came following a Thursday meeting between Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his counterparts from six major world powers, including the US, in New York over Tehrans nuclear energy program.
By Press TV
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