TEHRAN The new Portuguese and New Zealander ambassadors to Tehran here on Saturday called on President Seyed Mohammad Khatami and submitted their credentials to him. During his meeting with Portuguese Ambassador Jose Mauyel Sosta Arsenio, President Khatami said that the Islamic Republic of Iran seeks friendly relations with all countries across the world. The President further stressed the need for dialogue among different civilizations, saying that it paves the way for improving the living conditions of all nations.

Touching on formation of a new civilization in Europe, President Khatami said that Europe is an appropriate place for dialogue among various cultures and civilizations. The Portuguese ambassador for his part referred to Iran's great religious and cultural heritage, saying that the Islamic Republic of Iran can play a key role in establishment of peace and stability in the region and the world.

He voiced his country's readiness to further promote Tehran-Lisbon relations. Meanwhile, President Khatami told New Zealander Ambassador to Tehran Warwick Alexander Hawker that presence of Iran in Asia and of New Zealand in the Pacific region, necessitate improvement of bilateral relations. Hawker called for expansion of Iran-New Zealand relations in different economic, technical, agricultural and educational fields.