Iran says will meet with world powers on nuclear deal in Vienna on Friday

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Foreign ministers of Iran and five world powers still party to the 2015 nuclear deal will meet in the Austrian capital Vienna on Friday to discuss ways of maintaining the accord, Iranian state media IRNA reported.

"At the meeting, which will be held at the request of Iran, foreign ministers of Iran and five world powers will discuss a proposed European package and measures to protect the agreement," IRNA said.

The flag of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) flies in front of its headquarters during the General Conference in Vienna, Austria, September 18, 2017. /VCG Photo

Friday’s meeting will be the first between Iran and the five world powers (Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia) following US withdrawal from the agreement in May.

China has voiced firm support to multilateralism and the Iran nuclear deal, as it is one of the achievements of multilateral negotiation that contributes to Middle East peace and stability.

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Leading a high-ranking politico-economic delegation, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is currently in Switzerland for two-day visit started from Monday to the neutral European country before heading to Vienna.

President of Iran Hassan Rouhani (C-R) is welcomed by President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset (C-L) at Zurich Airport in Zurich, Switzerland, July 02, 2018. /VCG Photo

Iran will continue to respect its nuclear agreement with world powers as long as its interests are preserved, President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday in a speech in Switzerland.

During talks with Swiss President Alain Berset, Rouhani said Iran has been committed to the 2015 nuclear deal.

"We announce to the world that Iran respects the international regulations including the non-proliferation treaties," he said, adding that "we will continue our cooperation with the international organizations as well as with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)."

Hassan Rouhani, Iran's president, left, reacts with Alain Berset, Switzerland's president, during a news conference in Bern, Switzerland, July 3, 2018./ VCG Photo

Also, Berset described the JCPOA as a big diplomatic victory for the world, calling on the signatories to the nuclear deal to continue its full implementation.