In a phone call received from the Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian referred to the historical background of the relations between the two countries, saying, "The Islamic Republic of Iran is interested in expanding interactions with Norway, and we hope that these talks will lead to strengthening and consolidating the relations between the two countries, as well as reaching common solutions for establishing peace and stability and increasing security in the world."
Referring to Iran's security-generating role in the region, the Iranian president stressed, "The Islamic Republic of Iran, while trying to spread peace and friendship, condemns any aggression anywhere and is ready to cooperate to stop the war of violence and insecurity in the world."
Elsewhere in his remarks, Dr. Pezeshkian decried the US government's violation of the JCPOA and criticized the European parties to the deal for not adhering to their obligations under the agreement.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran fulfilled all its commitments in the JCPOA agreement, but it was the US that, in addition to violating the agreement and unilaterally withdrawing from this agreement, increased pressure and sanctions against our country and people, and unfortunately, European countries also, contrary to expectations, did not implement even one clause of their commitments."
"Our policy is peace and friendship, avoiding tension and conflict, and interacting and expanding relations with all the countries of the world, but if our country is forced to do something under sanctions and pressure, then our approach and behavior will definitely change."
Criticizing the double behavior of the US and some Western countries regarding the issue of human rights and democracy, Dr. Pezeshkian said that the behavior of the US and Western states in accusing other countries of violating human rights because of the mistreatment of one person while parallelly keeping silent in the face of killing of Gazan people and providing arms and financial aid to the Israeli regime makes no sense.
Appreciating the positions of the Norwegian government in supporting the Palestinian people, the Iranian president called on the Prime Minister of this country to work more closely with other European countries to immediately stop the crimes of the Zionist regime against the oppressed people of Gaza.
Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, for his part, described the relations between Iran and Norway as friendly and historic and said that Norway has always considered itself a friend of Iran and has always and would always want greater progress and prosperity of the Iranian nation.
Expressing concern over the increase in tensions in the region, especially the attacks of the Zionist regime against the people of Gaza, the Prime Minister of Norway cited, "We have condemned Israel's war against Gaza and its disastrous consequences. Norway, along with Ireland and Spain, were among the first European countries to recognize the right of the Palestinian people to form an independent state, and we hope that these bitter and unfortunate events will end as soon as possible."