Swiss FM visits Isfahan, calls city ‘a pearl in Middle East’

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis paying a visit to the Iranian city of Isfahan described the historical city “a pearl in the Middle East.”

In a tweet on Saturday, Cassis wrote, “Visit to the city of Isfahan – a pearl in the Middle East. Knowing the culture and people of a country: A prerequisite for good diplomatic relations.”

The Swiss minister arrived in Isfahan on Saturday morning as part of his three-day stay in the country. He is scheduled to meet with top Iranian officials.

Cassis and his accompanying delegation visited the historical monuments of Isfahan, including Naqsh-e Jahan Square – a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site – Vank Church, and other must-see tourist attractions and unique handicrafts.

He met Isfahan Governor Abbas Rezaei and some professors of Isfahan University of Technology at the Abbasi Hotel, with their talks revolving around scientific, cultural and technological interactions.

Cassis is expected to land in Tehran to start his official talks today.

His visit marks the 100th anniversary of the two countries’ relations that will be celebrated in the capital.

According to the schedule, the top Swiss diplomat meets President Hassan Rouhani today and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and other Iranian high-ranking officials Monday.

Accompanying Cassis, Swiss parliamentarians will hold talks with Iranian lawmakers.

Prior to the Swiss minister’s arrival, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh announced that Cassis and Iranian officials would not discuss Tehran-Washington tensions as the topics of their negotiations would be only about bilateral ties.