In a first bilateral meeting as part of the agenda of the Geneva visit, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian met with Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto on Monday morning. During the meeting, the two sides discussed topics of mutual interest on bilateral relations, regional and international issues, the developments in Ukraine and especially the latest from the negotiations for the removal of anti-Iran sanctions. Amirabdollahian expressed pleasure over the good meetings of the past with his Finnish counterpart in New York and in Tehran and also their past phone calls, saying he welcomes continuation of such diplomatic consultations. The Iranian foreign minister described relations between Iran and Finland as historical and based on mutual respect adding that the two countries are moving toward expansion of ties. The Iranian foreign minister also touched on the good efforts by the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the establishment of ceasefire in Ukraine, as proposed by the Iranian president and foreign minister, stressing that Tehran strongly opposes the expansion of NATO and continuation of war in Ukraine and is against any threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries. The head of the diplomatic apparatus talked about the unreal controversy around the allegations of exports of Iranian drones to Russia for use in the Ukraine war and the contents of the talks between technical and expert teams of the two countries. He added that no credible evidence or proof about the allegation has been submitted to the Iranian side so far and that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready for a second round of talks between the technical and expert teams of the two countries, just as conveyed to the Ukrainian side through different diplomatic channels. Amirabdollahian also reiterated Iran’s support for an end to the war in Ukraine and a return to talks. The Iranian foreign minister also talked about the recent visit by the deputy director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency to Tehran and the good talks that were held, and said an agreement has been reached for Rafael Grossi to travel to Tehran in the near future. He expressed hope that good progress is made on technical issues during the visit provided that political pressure is not placed on the agency. Amirabdollahian also referred to the negotiations for the removal of sanctions, saying Iran has been ready for the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and a return of all sides to the agreement since September 2022, but the dual approach of the US and their subsequent wrong calculations regarding the recent riots in Iran, caused a delay in the agreement. The Iranian foreign minister also touched on the exchanged messages and recent diplomatic moves, and expressed hope that they lead to the return of all sides to an agreement in accordance with the contents of the pact signed in 2015. The Iranian foreign minister also criticized the unconstructive approach and wrong calculations of a few European countries in relations to the recent riots in Iran and informed the Finnish side on the goodwill gesture of Iran regarding some European nationals involved in the recent riots in Iran. Amirabdollahian stressed that Europeans who are in Iran or travel to the country within the framework of Iran’s regulations, will have no problems. He also touched on the normal situation of Iran and informed the Finnish side on the amnesty offered by the Leader of the Islamic revolution to those involved in the recent riots. During the meeting, the Finnish foreign minister, for his part, referred to the good political relations between the two countries and welcomed continued contact and talks among officials of the two countries, including with the Iranian foreign minister. He also talked about the significance of the Ukraine issue for Europe and the security of the continent, and described the stance and the information offered by the Iranian foreign minister on Ukraine and specifically the issue ofdrones as important, thanking the Iranian foreign minister in this regard and added that he would talk with the Ukrainian foreign minister about the matter. The Finnish foreign minister also expressed pleasure about the points and information raised by the Iranian foreign minister on the nuclear agreement and also the talks and cooperation between Iran and the IAEA, stressing that we want the JCPOA revived, its implementation as well as obligation of all sides to it. The Finish foreign minister also touched on the significance of continuation of bilateral talks and underlined his interest in the continuation of such consultations in the future.