Official working visit by the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, Ali Asghar Khaji, to the State Secretary, Yves Rossier

Bern, Press releases, 07.03.2013

As part of the regular political consultations between Switzerland and Iran, Mr Yves Rossier, State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), yesterday welcomed the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Europe and America, Ali Asghar Khaji, to Bern for official talks. Mr Khaji ended his working visit today after a courtesy visit to the Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Ms Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, and a meeting with members of the Federal Parliament.

For several years Switzerland and Iran have held regular political talks on bilateral, multilateral and regional topics. In these talks, each side’s perceptions of specific issues are discussed in a frank atmosphere. This year, Iran and Switzerland commemorate the 140th anniversary of the signing of the friendship and trade agreement (1873) between the two countries.

The focus of yesterday's talks was on bilateral relations, in particular the issue of sanctions, the protecting power mandates (Switzerland represents the USA in Tehran and Iran in Cairo), the nuclear dossier, the human rights situation, the fight against international terrorism and regional developments. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of political consultations in Tehran.

After a courtesy visit to Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister paid a courtesy visit to Ms Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, the State Secretary of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) and Director of SECO. The Iranian delegation also held talks with members of the Council of States’ Foreign Affairs Committee.

 


Further information:

Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Iran


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