TEHRAN -- Tehran and the European Union are looking to expand ties regardless of what "third parties might think", Government Spokesman Abdollah Ramezanzadeh said during a press conference Wednesday.

"Iran's relations with the European Union, from the point of view of both sides, is advancing in a positive way," he added, noting that "differences of opinion" could be resolved through negotiation.

On Monday, EU foreign ministers agreed at a meeting in Luxembourg to open talks with Iran on a trade and cooperation agreement that would also include a political annex.