Iran’s nuclear energy program and its relations with the European Union top the agenda of Ashton’s formal tour of the country.

Ashton, heading a politico-economic delegation, arrived in Tehran on Saturday and was welcomed by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Abbas Araqchi at Mehrabad International Airport.

During her Iran visit, Ashton is scheduled to meet and hold talks with high-ranking Iranian officials, including President Hassan Rouhani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani.

Ashton is the top negotiator of six world powers in the nuclear talks with Iran.

The EU foreign policy chief is also due to visit the Iranian central city of Isfahan.

Ashton’s trip comes following a January invitation by Zarif.

Iran and six world powers, represented by Ashton, reached an interim nuclear deal in the Swiss city of Geneva on November 24, 2013.

Under the Geneva deal, which was implemented on January 20, the six countries undertook to provide Iran with some sanctions relief in exchange for Tehran agreeing to limit certain aspects of its nuclear activities during a six-month period. It was also agreed that no nuclear-related sanctions would be imposed on the country within the same timeframe.

RA/MB