President: Iran is keen on developing relations with independent European states

In a meeting with Austrian Ambassador to Iran Mishael Pustel, President Ahmadinejad said that European states proximity to the Middle East nations provided an exceptional privilege for further developing international relations.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is interested in bolstering cooperation with the independent European states,” he said.

In the meeting during which the Austrian ambassador submitted his credentials, President Ahmadinejad said that the Islamic Republic of Iran respects Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and that Iranian nuclear program is for civilian purposes.

“Iranian nation believes that it is its right to produce nuclear energy in line with NPT and regards Austria’s view about Iranian nuclear program as positive,” President Ahmadinejad said.

Austria hosts the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and several other organizations of the United Nations are located in Vienna International Center.

The Iranian president said that Iran supports peace and stability in the Middle East and regards the unrest in Afghanistan and Iraq as backlash of deployment of occupation forces including the US troops.

“Iran calls on the international community to help restore law and order in both Iraq and Afghanistan by ending occupation.”
Pustel said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is a major country effective in maintaining international balance and Austria is willing to develop cooperation with Iran.

“I hope that during my tenure in Iran, I would acquire better acquaintance with Iranian culture and civilization and prepare the ground for enhanced cooperation between Tehran and Vienna,” the ambassador said.