Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has arrived in the Spanish capital of Madrid for talks with the country’s officials on Tehran’s relations with the European Union as well as the latest developments in the Middle East.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival early Tuesday, Zarif said his visit was also aimed at discussing developments in North Africa as well as Tehran-Madrid economic ties and the nuclear negotiations between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 countries.

“There are very important topics at the regional level, particularly the issue of Yemen, and other issues of concern arising from the presence and spread of extremist elements in the region,” the Iranian minister said.

He added that such issues are “the common problems of regional countries and other members of the international community.”

Iran's top diplomat further noted that sanctions imposed against Iran over its nuclear program are to blame for the decrease in the country’s economic cooperation with EU states, particularly Spain.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has entered a new phase of dialog and cooperation with all countries including Spain," Zarif said, expressing hope that a "constructive" approach would improve relations.

Earlier, the Iranian foreign minister wrapped up his day-long visit to Kazakhstan before heading to Madrid at the invitation of his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo.

During his one-day stay in Madrid, Zarif is also scheduled to sit with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Minister of Economy Luis de Guindos and President of the Congress of Deputies Jesús Posada Moreno.

He will then travel to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.

By Press TV