UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson flies today to Iran

on December 9, 2021 | 11:22:18

UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson flies to Iran today to discuss the bilateral relationship and regional security issues, the British media reported.

According to GOV.UK, Johnson arrived in Muscat on Friday 8 December on 3-day visit to Oman, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

In Iran, the Foreign Secretary will meet with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, to discuss the bilateral relationship and regional security issues.

A Foreign & Commonwealth Office spokesperson said: “This is the first visit of the Foreign Secretary to Iran and we expect talks to cover a wide range of issues from the bilateral relationship to regional security.”

“The government remains very concerned about all our dual nationals detained in Iran and has been doing everything it can to make progress on their cases, while approaching them in a way that we judge is in their best interests. The Foreign Secretary will urge the Iranians to release dual nationals where there are humanitarian grounds to do so.” He added.

Mr Johnson’s trip to Tehran is only the third by a UK Foreign Secretary since 2003 and comes at a time of tension in the Middle East over Donald Trump’s announcement that he is recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Speaking ahead of the visit Mr Johnson, the Foreign secretary, said: “Iran is a significant country in a strategically important, but volatile and unstable, region which matters to the UK’s security and prosperity.

“My first visit is an opportunity to hold further discussions on a series of crucial issues, including how we can find a political solution to the devastating conflict in Yemen and secure greater humanitarian access to ease the immense suffering there.

“I will also underline the UK’s continued support for the nuclear deal while making clear our concerns about some of Iran’s activity in the region.

“While our relationship with Iran has improved significantly since 2011, it is not straightforward and on many issues we will not agree.

“But I am clear that dialogue is the key to managing our differences and, where possible, making progress on issues that really matter, even under difficult conditions. I look forward to a constructive visit.”

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