Talking to reporters on the eve of Johnson’s visit to Tehran, he added that it is for several years or even decades that a British official, foreign secretary in particular, has not traveled to Iran with the aim of dealing with bilateral issues.

'Even (formr British Foreign Secretary) Jack straw’s trips in the 1980s took place within the framework of Iran’s nuclear negotiations with the three European states,' the envoy said, noting that (former British Foreign Secretary) Philip Hammond’s visit to Tehran two years ago was aimed at reopening the country’s embassy after it was closed down.

'Therefore, British foreign minister’s trip to Iran is a special visit during which all aspects of the two countries’ economic, political, regional and international issues and JCPOA will be discussed,' Baeidinejad said, adding that the agenda of the trip is comprehensive, as it includes all aspects of bilateral relations.

Asked whether during Johnson’s visit to Tehran, reliefs resulting from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action will be discussed, he said certainly one of the main pivots of the trip will be effective implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal.

After the implementation of JCPOA, British government held high-level contacts with the European and American officials in a bid to keep the deal, and along with the European states, it insisted on preserving the accord and prevent any damage to its implementation, he said.

In fact, maintaining JCPOA has a strategic significance for both Iran and Britain. Henceforth mutual cooperation in line with implementing the JCPOA has advanced at a successful level.

However, Iran expected further economic and banking reliefs between the two sides, Iran’s ambassador said, noting that the problems and criticisms are to be discussed during Johnson’s visit to Tehran.

British government has always announced that it is keen on removal of banking restrictions and promotion of banking and trade relations, Baeidinejad said.

Regional developments will be one of the highlights of the two countries during British foreign minister’s stay in Tehran.

Britain has had ancient ties with regional and Persian Gulf littoral states, he said, noting, “We expected London’s ties with the countries would be in line with ensuring regional peace and stability and London would use all its capacities in this respect.”

“Naturally, we have been and are at odds with Britain over certain issues, which will be addressed during the visit,” he said, hoping that a better understanding would be achieved over certain areas, given positive inclinations the British government showed over the past year.

Baeidinejad said that Johnson is to visit Tehran at the head of a political and economic delegation, who will share views on bilateral political, economic and regional developments with the Iranian officials.

IRNA

Reporter’s code: 50101