Today: 1 June 2025
4 June 2023
1 min read

Iran eyes thaw in ties with Europe

Iran welcomed Belgian role in promoting “purposeful and effective” talks between Iran and European states based on mutual respect…reports Asian Lite News

The Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian expressed hope that the recent prisoner swap between Iran and Belgium could be an effective step to promote bilateral ties and Iran-Europe relations.

Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a phone conversation with his Belgian counterpart Hadja Lahbib, according to a statement published on the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s website.

The Iranian top diplomat hailed the joint efforts made by the two sides that led to the successful exchange of the prisoners, saying Iran also welcomed a Belgian role in promoting “purposeful and effective” talks between Iran and European states based on mutual respect.

Lahbib, for her part, thanked Iran for its cooperation in the resolution of the prisoners’ issue, noting that given Iran’s humanitarian move, a new horizon is expected to open up in bilateral ties, while promising her country would help further expand Iran-Europe relations.

Hailing the conversation as “positive and fruitful,” Amir-Abdollahian said on Twitter that Iran remained a “completely safe and attractive” destination for foreign tourists, noting there was no reason for Europeans to be arrested if they were not “exploited” by foreign security services.

Iran released three men — two with dual Austrian-Iranian nationality and one Dane — on Friday in return for Iranian diplomat Asadollah Assadi as part of a swap in which Iran freed two prisoners, including a Belgian citizen, last week, Xinhua news agency reported.

Assadi, who was transferred to Belgium in October 2018, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Belgian court in February 2021, after being accused of planning an alleged “attack” against the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organisation, which Iran designates as a terrorist group.

The released Belgian citizen, named Olivier Vandecasteele, was arrested by security forces in Iran in February 2022 for “spying under the guise of an aid worker”.

Iran has arrested dozens of foreigners and dual nationals in recent years, mainly for espionage and security-related charges.

ALSO READ: Pakistan initiates barter trade with Afghanistan, Iran & Russia

Previous Story

Eco friendly elegance for summer

Next Story

Thematically curated Indian music festivals for June

Latest from -Top News

UAE aid for Gaza in global focus

Titled Hope Remains, the documentary brings to light the UAE’s leading role in providing vital aid and support to the people of Gaza. The International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council has released a

Syria, Israel begin quiet talks

The announcement came just hours after Israeli warplanes reportedly carried out new airstrikes in Syria’s coastal provinces of Tartus and Latakia, hitting a range of military targets. Syria has confirmed the commencement

Gaza truce deal hits new snag

US says Hamas’ reply to the ceasefire plan was “totally unacceptable” and accused the Palestinian group of dragging the negotiations backward. The latest attempt to broker a ceasefire in Gaza has hit

IAEA flags Iran enrichment spike

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in two separate but related reports, said Iran has boosted its uranium stockpile enriched up to 60% purity by nearly 50% since February. Iran has vehemently

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Kabul Bets Big on Iran’s Chabahar Port, Eyes Bolstering Ties

This followed an Afghan delegation’s visit to Iran, highlighting the

Iran Expresses Priority for Syria’s Peace

Arnous gave the assurance that the Syrian government and people