Zarif: Iran, Ecuador cooperation not against third countries

According to IRNA, he made the remarks in the opening ceremony of Iran-Ecuador trade forum.

Iran and Ecuador cooperation is not going to harm any third country, rather it will promote peace and stability in the region and Middle East, Zarif said.

He said that there is political will both in Tehran and Quito for promotion of ties and the private sectors in both countries should seize the opportunity to improve bilateral cooperation. 

Iran is proud of cooperation with friendly countries of Latin America and is going to continue siding with them, Iran's top diplomat said.

Zarif also thanked Ecuador for its support of Iran's right for peaceful use of nuclear energy, adding that Tehran and Quito share a similar stance on the international scene including the Non-Aligned Movement. 

Both Iran and Ecuador believe in respecting the sovereignty of nations and avoiding interference in other countries, he said.

He called for improvement of the two countries' economic relations in all areas, including science, technology and investment.

Referring to Iran's geopolitical position in the world, Zarif said that Iran can be used as a cheap and safe route for transferring Ecuador manufactured goods to Central Asia and the Middle East.

The foreign minister expressed his satisfaction over removal of restrictions on Iran's banking sector and voiced hope for improvement of cooperation between the two countries private sectors.