EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Joseph Borel has congratulated Hossein Amir Abdollahian on his appointment as Iran’s Foreign Minister. In a telephone conversation with Amir Abdollahina, Borel declared the EU’s readiness for expanding relations with the Islamic Republic. He said the presence of the bloc’s envoy at the oath-taking ceremony of the Iranian president is proof of the EU’s determination to deepen ties with Tehran. The top EU diplomat also referred to the bloc’s coordinating role in the nuclear talks between Iran and the other signatories to the nuclear deal known as the JCPOA, saying the EU is hopeful that a date will be set as soon as possible for resuming the Vienna talks following the formation of the new administration in Iran. Borel also said the latest developments in Afghanistan pose a new challenge to the region and the whole world and underlined the need for renewing cooperation on the plight of Afghan refugees. Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to constructive dialog within the framework of balanced diplomacy. He described talks as a diplomatic tool. Amir Abdollahian however stressed, Iran believes that talks will be acceptable if they produce tangible results and fulfill the rights of the Iranian people. The foreign minister also said the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran treats the law approved by the country’s parliament regarding the nuclear issue as binding.Amir Abdollahian added that in any negotiations over the JCPOA, each party must be able to verify that the other side’s actions are genuine. Amir Abdollahian also touched on Afghanistan’s developments. He said the Afghan crisis will be resolved through the formation of an inclusive government reflecting the demographic and ethnic fabric of the country. The Iranian foreign minister said the future of Afghanistan must be decided by Afghans themselves. Amir Abdollahian said Iran has hosted over 3.5 million Afghan refugees but the latest refugee influx is an issue of serious concern. He added that other countries and also international organizations must give assistance to Iran in this regard.