The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Reza Sabouri, presented his Letters of Credence to President George Vella at the Presidential Palace, Valletta.
President Vella referred to possibilities to increase contacts between the two countries in the sphere of education, especially at university level. As an EU Member State, Malta encourages open channels of communication between the EU and Iran. At a regional level, Malta recognises that future developments regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action have a crucial bearing on EU-Iran relations. President Vella urged Iran to play a constructive role in the ongoing events in Israel and Gaza by calling for restraint, pushing for de-escalatory measures, and constructive engagement in reaching negotiated diplomatic solutions. The President underlined opposition to all forms of gender-based violence, discrimination against women and girls, as well as capital punishment.
On his part, Ambassador Sabouri explained his intentions to intensify exchanges between students at tertiary educational level and referred to specific examples such as the International Maritime Law Institute. The Ambassador referred to Malta’s roles as an active member of the European Union and the UN Security Council as an elected member in the interest of international stability.
