Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
European Union Foreign Policy Coordinator Josep Borrell met today with Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York. According to a European statement issued in Brussels on Wednesday, it also said, “Borrell raised the most pressing issues affecting bilateral relations between the European Union and Iran.” and recent developments on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in his capacity as Coordinator of the Joint Committee of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
The High Representative conveyed the European Union's strong condemnation of the arbitrary detentions of many European Union citizens, including dual nationals, in Iran. The High Representative urged Foreign Minister Abdullahian once again to release all EU citizens.
The European Union's position remains unchanged on the extremely worrying human rights situation in the country. Iran must ensure respect for fundamental freedoms, as expressed by the 27 EU member states on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's killing.
Regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the High Representative stressed the importance of following the path of de-escalation. In this context, he urged Iran to reconsider its decision to withdraw the official appointment of a number of experienced IAEA inspectors and improve cooperation with the Agency. The European Union strongly supports the International Atomic Energy Agency and its work. He expressed his firm conviction of the necessity of finding a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue within the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Finally, the High Representative once again urged the Iranian Government to cease its continued military cooperation with Russia in the illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.