Iranian FM on Eastern Europe trip meets Bulgarian officials

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) - The foreign ministers of Bulgaria and Iran discussed the state of affairs in the Middle East and bilateral economic relations on Wednesday.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva and her Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said they talked about the current situation in Yemen and Syria and the importance of fighting terrorism and extremism as a common global threat.

As part of his trip to Eastern Europe, Zarif is heading an economic delegation to Bulgaria, which currently holds the rotating six-month EU presidency.

"We discussed the need to end hostilities in the region, the need for a political solution leading to stability, security and peace for the people in the affected countries," Syria and Yemen, Zarif said. "A political solution for Syria can only be found if all negotiating parties are prepared to follow a formula in which all countries benefit."

Zarif also held talks with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

Borissov voiced concerns about rising tensions in the Middle East and expressed hope that "despite differences, Iran and other countries will find contact points for consultations to get out of the crisis."

"The war in Syria must be stopped by the diplomats and not by the armies," Borissov said in statement.

Borissov and Zarif voiced support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran's nuclear program and underscored that it needs to be implemented by all parties.