Iran, Serbia FMs hold phone call on different issues

The top Iranian diplomat underlined that the Tehran-Belgrade ties have been through positive developments, and “we hope that holding a joint economic commission by the two countries will pave the way for further boosting and expanding their relations.”
Amir Abdollahian also said the presence of Iranian students in Serbia is a significant step toward expanding scientific-educational cooperation between the two nations.
He also described paying more attention to the issue of tourism between Iran and Serbia, given their existing possibilities, as essential.
Amir-Abdollahian then referred to NATO’s recent provocations and the ongoing war in Ukraine, saying diplomacy and dialog, as well as preventing the war from continuing and further expanding is the only genuine way through which this issue can be resolved.
The Iranian foreign minister said the Islamic Republic of Iran is opposed to both war and unilateral sanctions.
Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selaković for his part thanked Amir-Abdollahian for his wholehearted congratulations on Serbia’s elections and, congratulated the Iranian people and government on Nowruz and the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.
Selaković further commemorated the 80th anniversary of establishing bilateral relations between Iran and Serbia.
He reiterated that the Serbian government would do its utmost to expand ties in all areas, including agriculture, and boost cooperation in granting loans to Iranian students in Serbia.
The top Serbian diplomat also asked Amir Abdollahian about the trend of the Vienna talks and expressed hope that the negotiations would produce the best results as soon as possible.
Selaković then outlined his country’s stance on the issue of Kosovo and the Ukraine crisis, saying Belgrade supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine and underlines the need to opt for diplomatic channels to safeguard and expand peace in the region.
Amir Abdollahian then spoke of the Vienna talks, saying the Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to reach a good, robust and lasting deal.
The Iranian foreign minister added that the US side must act realistically instead of making excessive demands and hamper negotiations.
Amir Abdollahian also described the positions of China, Russia, and the three EU countries in efforts aimed at reaching a deal as constructive. The Iranian foreign minister further spoke of the European Union’s efforts, especially those of EU Foreign Policy Chief Josef Borrell and the bloc’s chief negotiator, saying they are all playing an active role.