TEHRAN -- President Ebrahim Raisi has expressed Iran’s categorical opposition to the expansionist policies of the U.S-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Europe.
Raisi made the remarks here in a meeting with visiting Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, during which the two sides explored ways to further expand bilateral relations.
Touching on the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Raisi said, “Just in the same way that the Islamic Republic of Iran is opposed to conflict and war, it is also firmly opposed to NATO’s expansionist policies.”
In a joint press conference with his Polish counterpart, Foreign Minister Hussein Amir-Abdollahian said Iran is against war anywhere in the world, underscoring diplomacy as the sole way out of the crisis in Ukraine.
“We oppose war in Ukraine as we do in Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq or any other place in the world,” the top Iranian diplomat said.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Raisi criticized the low level of trade and economic cooperation between Iran and Poland, saying that the two countries have various potentialities, including in the industrial and economic fields, which must be utilized through joint efforts with the purpose of improving bilateral interactions.
The Polish foreign minister, for his part, said the history of mutual relations between Tehran and Warsaw dates back to the 16th century. He said Tehran and Warsaw have had friendly relations for almost five centuries. He also appreciated Iran’s hospitality in receiving Polish refugees during World War II.
Rau said his country seeks further promotion of cooperation with Iran in such areas as trade, economy, culture and science.