Azernews.Az

By Nigar Abbasova

Iran and Canada, the two countries, which broke off relations more than four years ago, are currently considering the issue of restoring diplomatic contacts.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Canadian counterpart Stéphane Dion met in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The sides discussed mutual relations, regional issues, and consular affairs, ISNA news agency reported.

Dion earlier said many areas of the Canadian economy would benefit in a renewed relationship with Iran, underlining that resumption of ties will be done step by step.

The current Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has already expressed willingness to improve relations with Tehran, by lifting a broad ban on financial services, imports and exports.

A reciprocal diplomatic presence was maintained until September 2012, when Canada closed its embassy in Tehran and expelled Iranian diplomats from Ottawa for various reasons, including Iran’s non-compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding its nuclear program.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper then called Iran the “world’s most serious threat to international peace”, the statement, which became one of the main reasons for a halt in diplomatic ties between Tehran and Ottawa.

Canada announced its willingness to resume discussions with Iran, including on the possibility of restoring diplomatic contacts, following adoption of JCPOA.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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