Iranian Top Diplomat Meets Norwegian Counterpart, MP


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held separate talks with his Norwegian counterpart, Ine Marie Eriksen Soreide, and Chairwoman of the Norwegian Parliament’s Commission on Foreign Affairs and Defense Anniken Huitfeldt.

In the meeting with his Norwegian counterpart in Oslo on Thursday, Zarif discussed a host of topics, including the latest regional international developments as well as ways to boost bilateral relations between the two countries in diverse fields.  

In a separate session on the same day, Zarif and Huitfeldt exchanged views about issues of mutual interest.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Huitfeldt said the escalation of tensions between Iran and the US was among the topics discussed at the meeting with Zarif.

Zarif started his tour of Scandinavia on Sunday night, which has taken him to Finland, Sweden, and Norway.

During his visit to Finland, Zarif met with President Sauli Niinisto and his Finnish counterpart, Pekka Haavisto.

The two sides discussed the 2015 nuclear deal known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), maritime security in the Persian Gulf, and also issues related to human rights.

He also met with Finnish Minister for Development Cooperation and Trade Ville Skinnari during his stay in the country.

Zarif left Finland on Monday for Sweden on the second leg of a three-nation tour of Scandinavia.

The top Iranian diplomat had visited Kuwait before heading to Scandinavia.

From Norway, Zarif plans to make an official visit to France and meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Friday.