Italy, Iran's open "door" to Europe

(BRUSSELS2) The Italian Foreign Minister was in Iran on Sunday (22 December) for an official visit, marked by the sign of relaxation between Europeans and Iranians. Italy poses, without hesitation, as a vector of moderation, advocating forging closer ties with Iran as well as its involvement in certain international negotiations, particularly on Syria.

A first

Italy intends to open a new era of dialogue with theIran”, is in a way the objective of the visit of the Italian Foreign Minister to Tehran. The first of an Italian minister for ten years in Iran and the first of a head of European diplomacy since the election of Hassan Rouhani, we like to point out in Rome. " With the resumption of dialogue on the Iranian nuclear issue, a period of normal relations between the EU and Iran must begin agreed the foreign ministers of the two countries.

Syria and human rights

Syria and human rights were also discussed. " All the countries concerned must take their responsibilities and make their contribution” to the resolution of the Syrian crisis explained Emma Bonino, when asked about the role that Iran could play (one thinks in particular of the Geneva II conference). As for the question of human rights, we should be able to talk about it without prejudice - she specified, referring to a possible cooperation with the organization of a joint workshop on the death penalty.

Strengthening of bilateral relations

The Italian minister also met the Iranian president. Hassan Rohani considered Italy to be the " doors "that Iran can use to reinforce" mutual trust with Europe ". reiterated its invitation to Italian President Enrico Letta to come to Iran and expressed its support for Italy's candidacy for the UN Security Council. Bilateral agreements and future meetings were also discussed, at the economic level, with the announcement of a short mission by a delegation from the Central Bank of Iran to Italy and the opening of new sectors such as rail and aviation, but also in the cultural field with the visit to Tehran next week of the Italian Minister Massimo Bray, and that of the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ferdinando Casini.