Hassan Rouhani received Serbian Deputy-Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic on Tuesday afternoon, where he said that the Middle East and Balkans should be ‘centers of peace and stability;’ “Islamic Republic of Iran opposes extremism and violence anywhere in the world; extremism and ethnic rifts would not help establishment of peace and security,” he said.

About nuclear deal with the world powers, Rouhani asserted that “negotiations demonstrated that rationality and negotiation table would help as well solve other regional issues.”

Rouhani told his Serbian guest that Islamic Republic of Iran would welcome boosting relations with Serbia especially in economy and establishing of joint economic commissions; “Tehran and Belgrade should improve ties in all scientific, cultural and tourism areas, given both countries’ natural and historical attractions,” he said.

Ivica Dacic, for his part, expressed his country’s willingness to expand relations with Iran in all areas especially in economic field. He also called for ‘finding new cooperation paths’ in culture, science, education and tourism.

“Serbian government and people respect Iranian long history and civilization; I believe we have excellent potentials to promote relations based on mutual respect and friendship,” Mr. Dacic told Rouhani.

“Serbia welcomes cooperation in energy, oil and gas sectors with Iran,” he added.