Today Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif gave an address at PRIO on the the new opportunities that have opened up as a result of the 2015 nuclear agreement (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action – JCPOA). In his welcome comment, Norwegian Foreign minister Børge Brende emphasized how by this agreement Iran has regained its rightful place in the international community, and by the same token the agreement sends out a signal that major international disputes can be resolved peacefully. FM Zarif started out by expressing his condolences for the Americans killed yesterday in Orlando, and he unequivocally condemned this terror attack. In his talk the FM eloquently explained how in today’s globalized world a zero sum approach to international politics brings about negative consequences for all. He praised the nuclear agreement as the example of an opposite approach, one founded on fairness and in which all sides come away as winners. Only agreements of this sort can have long-term sustainability. This deal is irreversible, he stated, adding that it provides a platform for un-tapping the immense potential of Iran’s youthful, well-educated, and entrepreneurial population.
Both ministers commended PRIO for its sustained efforts at stimulating constructive dialogue between Iran, Norway and other nations.
