Bilateral Dialogue in Focus as Iran, Norway Deputy Foreign Ministers Hold Talks

Tehran Times – April 12, 2025

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh met with Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Kravik on the sidelines of the fourth Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The discussions, which centered around various regional and international issues, underscored the importance of continuing political and diplomatic consultations between Iran and Norway.

Both Khatibzadeh and Kravik emphasized the necessity of strengthening bilateral relations and exchanging views on key developments affecting their nations. This meeting is part of a broader effort to enhance cooperation and understanding between Tehran and Oslo.

Iran and Iraq Reaffirm Economic Cooperation

Khatibzadeh’s participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum included a meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. The two officials reviewed the current status of Iran-Iraq relations and highlighted the importance of deepening their economic cooperation.

A primary focus of their discussions was the Shalamcheh–Basra railway project, with both sides agreeing to prioritize and expedite the initiative while addressing any remaining challenges. Additionally, they discussed regional security issues and the latest developments in the ongoing indirect discussions between Iran and the United States.

Collaboration with Kurdish Regional Government

During the forum, Khatibzadeh also engaged in talks with Nechirvan Barzani, the President of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. Their discussions revolved around fostering cooperation between Iran and the Kurdish regional government while addressing crucial regional and international developments. Both parties expressed their commitment to building on existing collaborations to advance common interests.

Iran-Turkey Talks Address Regional Tensions and Cooperation

Iran and Turkey have also made considerable progress in their bilateral relations. In a meeting held in Antalya, Khatibzadeh and Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz discussed regional issues, particularly Israel's actions in Gaza and its expansion in Syria. The two officials addressed the significance of the upcoming ninth meeting of the Iran-Turkey High Council of Cooperation, along with Turkish President Erdogan’s planned visit to Tehran.

Yilmaz reiterated Turkey’s intention to enhance bilateral ties and coordinate efforts with Iran to address pressing regional challenges.

Expanding Houston-Zagreb Relations

Another pivotal meeting at the Antalya Forum involved Khatibzadeh and Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic-Radman. The pair discussed the status of Tehran-Zagreb relations and the potential for broader cooperation in political, economic, and cultural spheres. Khatibzadeh advocated for more robust political consultations and stronger people-to-people connections. Grlic-Radman responded positively, signaling Croatia’s readiness for deeper engagement on multiple levels.

As diplomatic conversations continue, the developments from the Antalya Diplomacy Forum highlight Iran's commitment to enhancing its bilateral and regional relationships amid evolving global circumstances.

Tags: Iran, Saeed Khatibzadeh, Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Norway, Iraq, Turkey, Croatia