Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Madrid, Zarif said he will discuss the main regional issues with the Spanish authorities, including the crisis in Yemen caused by Saudi-led military attacks, and the scourge of extremism, which is a common threat to the international community.
Pointing to Spain’s non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council, Zarif said he will also talk with the Spanish officials on the threat of extremism in North Africa, which has become a source of concern for the countries near the Middle East.
The Iranian minister also hinted at the economic relations between Tehran and Madrid, and expressed regret for a decline in Iran’s trade ties with the European states, particularly with Spain, due to the anti-Iran sanctions.
Iran has now entered a “new stage in dialogue and cooperation” with the world, Zarif explained.
During his stay in Madrid, the top Iranian diplomat is planned to meet Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Minister of Economy Luis de Guindos and President of the Congress of Deputies Jesús Posada Moreno.
After his tour of Spain, Zarif will leave for Portugal.