The landmark 2015 nuclear accord signed between Iran and world powers is crucial for non-proliferation and regional stability, Italy's foreign minister Luigi Di Maio said in a statement after talks in Rome with Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
During his talks with Zarif, Di Maio "reaffirmed that the nuclear deal remains a pillar of non-proliferation and regional stability and a key element in the much hoped-for strengthening of bilateral economic cooperation," the foreign ministry said in a statement late on Monday.
Di Mao also highlighted "the importance of the ongoing negotiations in Vienna on the revitalisation of the JCPoA and the parallel contacts with the United States, expressing the hope that a compromise might swiftly be reached on the outstanding issues," the statement added.
The two ministers "exchanged views" on the main regional flashpoints from Iraq and Afghanistan to the crises in Syria and Yemen, where Italy remains convinced of the need for political solutions, the statement said.
During the talks, Di Maio "drew attention to the human rights situation in Iran, recalling Italy's traditional position in support of human rights and a moratorium on capital punishment," the statement went on.
Zarif and Di Maio also reviewed "the most significant aspects of bilateral cooperation," the statement concluded.
Zarif described Italy as Iran's economic partner, saying his country has contracts with Italy worth 30 billion dollars in various economic sectors and five billion dollars in credit, according to state-run news agency IRNA.
