A senior Iranian diplomat said here on Wednesday that Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif, heading a political and economic delegation, is slated to start its Latin American tour next week.
Talking to reporters, Deputy Foreign Minister for Europe and American Affairs Majid Takhte-Ravanchi said Zarif would launch its six-nation tour on Aug 21.
Takhte-Ravanchi said Zarif\’s visits are aimed at fostering Iran\’s political and economic relations with Latin American countries after the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and removal of \’cruel sanctions\’ against the Islamic Republic.
He added an economic delegation consisting of 60 businesspersons and directors of the companies active in different arenas, technical and engineering service in particular, would accompany Zarif during his visits.
The senior diplomat reiterated that Zarif would travel to Cuba, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia and Venezuela respectively during his week-long Latin American tour.
As per the schedule, Takhte-Ravanchi said, Zarif would travel to one country each day and holds talks with senior officials of the Latin American countries.
He added Iran attaches great importance to expansion of all-out cooperation with the Latin American countries.
Commenting on reopening of Chile embassy in Iran within the next months after 36 years of closure, he added the move indicates two countries willingness to foster all-out cooperation.
He added the implementation of JCPOA had paved the way for reinforcement of cooperation between Iran and the Latin American countries.
Commenting on Nicaragua\’s debt to Iran, he added the issue has been settled after 30 years and last year the two sides reached new arrangements for paying back the debts.
Touching upon the possibility of Zarif meeting with the ailing former Cuban president and revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, the senior diplomat said Castro does not usually hold meetings with foreign officials.