Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian praised the resolve of Iranian diplomat Asadollah Assadi who was released from Belgian prisons after five years of imprisonment over alleged "terror" charges.

Amir-Abdollahian said that Assadi returned to his country "with his head held high" due to his steadfastness and determination. His comments came while receiving the diplomat at the foreign ministry.

Assadi was arrested in 2018 and was accused by German and Belgian authorities of being involved in a bombing attempt on the MEK in France, which he completely denied. The diplomat was later sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Read more: Iranian diplomat denied basic rights in EU prisons

Assadi's release was mediated by the Sultanate of Oman, which followed up on negotiations between Amir-Abdollahian and his Belgian counterpart, leading to an agreement earlier this year.

“Following illegal imprisonment and [leveling of] baseless accusations against our country’s diplomat and blatant violation of the Vienna Convention, the Islamic Republic of Iran's government, diplomatic apparatus and the Judiciary did all in their power and took logical and categorical positions and steps. Fortunately, today, we see that these efforts have been fruitful and [we] witness your presence in the country,” Amir-Abdollahian said.

The Iranian government and its relevant institutions - such as the diplomatic teams and judiciary authority - helped "thwart Zionists' and terrorists' plots, which were aimed at achieving their illegitimate goals," Assadi said, expressing gratitude for the efforts made for his release.

Read more: Iran HR council denounces illegal trial of Tehran diplomat

” Amir-Abdollahian said on Twitter after the meeting.

"Today Mr. Assadollah Assadi returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after several years of captivity and illegal detention of a diplomat in Belgium and Germany and was welcomed by colleagues and friends," Amir-Abdollahian said on Twitter after the meeting.

“I am happy with his return, but signs of suffering and imprisonment on his frail and weakened body were very hurtful, he continued

امروز آقای اسدالله اسدی پس از چندین سال اسارت و بازداشت غیرقانونی یک دیپلمات در بلژیک و آلمان به وزارت خارجه بازگشتند و مورد استقبال همکاران و دوستان قرار گرفتند.
اگرچه از بازگشت همکارم خرسندم، اما تجلی آثار رنج و زندان بر جسم نحیف و ضعیف‌شده ایشان، سخت آزاردهنده بود. pic.twitter.com/oel92d6b0E

— H.Amirabdollahian امیرعبداللهیان (@Amirabdolahian) June 10, 2023