Italian Deputy Foreign Minister says Rome is willing to work closely with Iran as an influential country in the region to resolve regional issues.
In a meeting with Irans Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi on Tuesday, Lapo Pistelli said his country hopes for effective cooperation with Iran over issues such as the crises in Afghanistan, Iraq and even Syria.
Salehi, for his part, referred to commercial relations between Iran and Italy and expressed hope that bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of economy and trade, would expand under the presidency of Hassan Rohani.
Rohani, Irans new president, took the oath of office on Sunday in Majlis one day after being endorsed by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
Iranian lawmakers and officials as well as foreign dignitaries from more than 50 countries attended the inauguration ceremony.
As a regional heavyweight, said Salehi, Iran is one of the most stable countries in the region and possesses rich energy resources, a large market and is conveniently located for transit routes.
The Iranian foreign minister said the Islamic Republic seeks to establish peace and stability in the region, adding, Our national interests necessitate the establishment of peace and security in the region.
Iran is ready to boost cooperation with Italy at bilateral and international levels, Salehi added.