Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met his Finnish counterpart Timo Soini (Finns) on Tuesday. Mr Zarif, whom the article calls the « pin-up boy of international politics », said that Iran will not negotiate its missile program with the US. He said that the interest in Iran is huge, but that the banks’ operations are the only obstacle. Iran is interested in Finnish expertise in transport, cleantech, agriculture and information technology. Mr Zarif dodged the questions about Iran’s democracy, the status of minority peoples, such as Arabs, Azeris and Kurds. Mr Soini said in general terms that Finnish companies should consider the human rights issues. « Companies have social responsibility. If human rights are not in order, it is harmful for business in the long run. This will be addressed at national and EU level, » said Mr Soini. He described Mr Zarifet as « moderate, sharp and very professional ».

Media:  Helsingin Sanomat (E-edition) 

Date: 1.6.2016

Journalist: Tommi Hannula

Main source: Foreign Affairs Ministers Mohammad Javad Zarif, Timo Soini