TEHRAN (Mehr News Agency)—European Union Foreign Policy and Security Chief Javier Solana said Wednesday that Iran's decision to sign the additional protocol of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is a major step in the international arena.

In an interview with the German daily Financial Times, Solana highlighted the Tehran session held between foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain with Iranian officials in regard to the country's nuclear activities and evaluated Iran's measure in this connection as positive.

Solana said that prior to the current events European countries preconditioned further relations with Iran to its decision on signing the protocol adding that currently European countries have welcomed the issue and intend to expand their relations with Iran.

He highlighted Iran's attempt to suspend uranium enrichment adding that Iran should extend its cooperation with the IAEA more than ever before.