The Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif completed his regional tour that had been launched to discuss regional developments and bilateral relations. Within the scope of his visit, Zarif’s first stop was Qatar. During his trip to the gas-rich Gulf country, the Iranian Foreign Minister held talks with senior Qatari officials.
It is seen that the visit came amid the negotiations to restore the 2015 nuclear deal in Vienna are ongoing. Last February, Qatar voiced its intention to help in bringing the relevant parties together in terms of reviving the JCPOA.
In the context of his visit to Doha, Zarif came together with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. It was reported that the two top diplomats exchanged views regarding improving bilateral relations between the two countries. During the meeting, Zarif highlighted the importance of regional dialogue in terms of establishing regional stability. The Iranian Foreign Minister also emphasized the need to diversify areas of cooperation with Qatar, including trade, economic, and investment fields.
Speaking for his part, the Qatari Foreign Minister drew attention to the Iran-Qatar Joint Commission’s meetings which are held to boost bilateral ties. The last meeting gathered in Iran’s Isfahan province, and the Qatari top diplomat stated that the next one is expected to be held in Doha.
Iran’s Zarif also came together with the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Qatari Emir praised the relations between the two countries and expressed his country’s willingness to boost cooperation with Iran in several fields.
After holding talks in Qatar, the Iranian Foreign Minister headed to Iraq, where he met with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein. Following the meeting, the two foreign ministers held a joint press conference. Speaking at the press conference, the Iranian Foreign Minister praised the attempts of the Iraqi government to create a favorable medium for regional dialogue. Zarif said that “We hope that such efforts would result in further dialogues and more serious understanding in the region.”
On the other hand, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein reiterated his country’s stance in ensuring regional peace and stability. Hussein also emphasized that the two ministers exchanged views during the meeting about issues that need to be addressed between the two states, including the struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Iranian Foreign Minister’s visit to Iraq came amid a situation where some reports, claiming that Iran and Saudi Arabia held secret talks through the Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi’s mediatory in Baghdad in early April, have circulated.
