Luxembourg Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, met with Iranian ministers for two days of talks this Monday and Tuesday during which they signed a bilateral agreement on the protection and reciprocal promotion of investments in both countries. 

Minister Asselborn met with Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javad Zarif, as well as the Minister of Economy and Finance, Ali Tayebnia  and National Security Advisor, Ali Shamkhani, with whom he also addressed the desire to start negotiations for a double taxation agreement and to update the bilateral air services agreement.

On a multilateral level, the Minister stressed the crucial importance of the  full and effective implementation of the Joint Global Action Plan (JCPOA), the agreement signed between China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States and Iran to ensure that the Republic’s nuclear program will be exclusively peaceful.

"The JCPOA is a good example of how multilateral diplomacy and perseverance can solve the most complex issues. The rigorous implementation of commitments by all parties is the best way to continue to build trust and through it, to improve collective security,” explained Minister Asselborn.

"Iran is a great nation and a key player in the Middle East, a region that is constantly in our minds and for which the quest for stability and peace is a priority shared by all,” he said.

Turning to current events in Iran, the Minister restated Luxembourg’s unconditional opposition to the death penalty and commitment of respect for freedom of expression and the media, as well as to the abolition of discriminatory practices against women. 

Addressing more regional issues, the Minister also focused on the latest developments in Iraq, particularly in the context of the fight against Daesh and the battle of Mosul, as well as the situation in Yemen.

"Whether in Syria, Yemen or Iraq, there is no military solution to the ongoing conflicts. Only a process of national reconciliation that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each state can bring peace and stability while respecting the diversity, rights and aspirations of all citizens through inclusive governance,” said Minister Asselborn.

"We are convinced that collective security can only result from the commitment of all. Faced with all the challenges facing our world, we must not turn to the inside nor even stigmatise. We must continue to choose international cooperation and multilateralism to deal with common threats such as terrorism,” he added.

Image: Javad Zarif and Jean Asselborn. © MAEE