Iranian FM meets Spanish counterpart in Madrid

The Iranian Foreign Minister met his Spanish counterpart on Thursday, on the first stop of his European tour. Mohammad Javad Zarif and Arancha Gonzalez Laya held talks in Madrid as part of Iran's programme to deepen bilateral relations with the European Union.

Javad Zarif's arrival in Spain followed a series of statements made by the Iranian diplomat about his country's willingness to develop closer ties with regional rival Saudi Arabia. The surprising comments came during the Iranian Foreign Minister's visit to Damascus, Syria, on Wednesday.