Brussels, 23/07/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 23 July, the staff of High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini announced that she will visit Iran on Tuesday 28 July.
Mogherini will meet Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and representatives of the Iranian authorities. Her visit, a few days after the historic 14 July agreement on the Iranian nuclear programme (see EUROPE 11359), will be the opportunity to talk about implementation of the agreement and to discuss regional and bilateral issues. During the Foreign Affairs Council of 20 July, the ministers tasked Mogherini with playing a coordination role throughout implementation of the joint comprehensive plan of action. The ministers also wanted the agreement to enable constant improvement in relations between the EU, its member states and Iran, and in regional and international Iranian relations (see EUROPE 11363)
Mogherini in Saudi Arabia. On Monday 27 July, the day before she visits Iran, Mogherini will be in Saudi Arabia, where she will hold meetings with the authorities - including Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al Jubeir. They will discuss bilateral relations, international issues of common interest and regional issues.
Riyadh is concerned about the agreement on the Iranian nuclear programme. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is leading the coalition against the Houthi opposition in Yemen - opposition supported by Tehran. The Sunni monarchies of the Gulf, led by Saudi Arabia, also accuse Shi'ite Iran of interfering in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Bahrain. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)