TEHRAN – The Swedish ambassador to Tehran has said that Iran plays an important role in the Middle East region, ISNA reported on Saturday.

“Undoubtedly, Iran plays an important role in the region. Sweden hopes that Iran would cooperate with its neighbors and the international community to help settle crises and clashes in the region peacefully,” Helena Sangeland said, according to a translation of her remarks.
 
Commenting on Iran-Sweden ties, she said that the two countries have had strong relations for over 100 years.

She added that the relations expanded more during first term of Hassan Rouhani’s presidency.

The two countries’ officials have had “constructive dialogue” in various areas including politics and economy, she explained.

Sangeland also said that Iran was the biggest economic partner of Sweden in the Middle East before the sanctions.

She highlighted the importance of expanding ties in spheres of science, education and research.

Elsewhere, she said that nuclear deal was a turning point in Iran’s foreign policy.

Implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the official name for the nuclear deal, by all signatories is “vital”, she added.

Iran and the 5+1 group - the U.S., Britain, France, China and Russia plus Germany - finalized the text of the JCPOA in July 2015. 

The nuclear agreement took effect in January 2016.

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven visited Iran on 11–12 February. During his visit, the two countries initialed accords on cooperation in science and technology, higher education and research, roads, telecommunications, and technology.

In a meeting with Lofven on February 11, the Supreme Leader said Sweden has a good reputation among Iranians and is seen by Tehran as a reliable economic partner.

NA/PA