Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated today, Wednesday, that his country "does not wish to expand the scope of the war in the region." In detail, Amir-Abdollahian, who heads a delegation to participate in the second meeting of the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, met with Vatican Prime Minister Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Amir-Abdollahian expressed his satisfaction with this meeting, referring to the important recent phone conversation between Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Pope Francis. He welcomed the continuation of discussions between Iran and the Vatican in various fields.
The Foreign Minister described religious and scientific dialogues between Iran and the Vatican as "important and effective," adding, "We always support these dialogues." He also praised the Vatican's good positions towards Palestine, stating, "The Vatican can play an active role in ending the genocide in Palestine."
The Iranian Foreign Minister affirmed that "Hamas is a liberation movement fighting against the occupation," considering that "what is happening in Gaza is genocide that the world cannot bear." He emphasized that "Iran does not wish to escalate the war in the region," clarifying "Iran's efforts to stop the Zionist entity's attacks against the defenseless Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as to end the siege imposed on Gaza and send humanitarian aid."
Amir-Abdollahian viewed "the political initiative recorded by Iran at the United Nations as a democratic solution that can end the Palestinian crisis, enabling the original inhabitants and rightful owners of Palestine from all Islamic, Christian, and Jewish religions to establish an independent state through participation in a referendum." He mentioned that "the two countries are on the verge of celebrating the 70th anniversary of their relations," announcing "his readiness to welcome and host the Vatican Foreign Minister in Tehran."
According to Fars news agency, Vatican Prime Minister Cardinal Parolin expressed "his satisfaction with the meeting and welcomed the discussions and joint consultations at various levels," expressing "his concern regarding the current situation in Palestine." Parolin added, "The Vatican supports establishing a ceasefire and an immediate end to the war in Palestine," noting that "Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized the necessity of stopping the war, establishing a ceasefire, sending humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, and finding a political solution to the crisis." Cardinal Pietro Parolin highlighted the Vatican's efforts to send humanitarian aid to Palestine, stating, "The political solution is the only solution to the Palestinian crisis, and efforts must be made to find a political solution."
