GCC desires cooperation with Iran on regional challenges: GCC chief
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The head of the GCC says during a call with Iran's foreign minister that the organization's member countries consider Iran a power for regional peace and stability.
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The logo of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is seen during a GCC meeting in Kuwait City in December 2017. (AFP)
Iran is interested in improving its friendly and brotherly relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its member states, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday.
During a phone call with Jassim Mohammed al-Budaiwi, the secretary-general of the GCC, Araghchi emphasized that relations between the Islamic Republic and the organization should enter a new phase of mutual understanding and cooperation.
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For his part, al-Budaiwi said that the GCC countries are "interested in consulting with Iran on major challenges in the region," highlighting Iran's significant role in promoting regional peace and stability.
The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation and strengthen relations between Iran and the GCC.
Al-Budaiwi also congratulated the Iranian Foreign Minister on his assuming his new position, wishing him success in his duties.
The newly appointed Iranian government has expressed its desire to strengthen its relations with regional countries and the West based on mutual respect and sovereignty.
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In that context, Araghchi announced earlier Iran's willingness to ease tensions with the US and revive relations with European countries if they halt their "hostile approach" to the Islamic Republic.
The diplomat explained in an interview with Japan's Kyodo News, published on August 22, that the important step to normalizing trade relations with the international community and boosting Iran's economy is through managing tensions with Washington and rekindling ties with European countries, provided they comply with Tehran's conditions of lifting sanctions and restoring the 2015 multilateral nuclear agreement (JCPOA).
Araghchi is a former nuclear negotiator and defender of the JCPOA.
"In my foreign policy address to the Islamic Consultative Assembly, I highlighted the crucial objective of lifting sanctions, particularly unilateral ones, through earnest, focused, and time-bound negotiations while upholding the nation's fundamental principles," he said.
