Iran urges dialogue, cooperation to confront regional challenges

Visiting Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif highlighted Tuesday the importance of coordination among the countries in the region to face challenges.

"We hope that the nuclear deal will pave the way to opening a new chapter of ties between countries in the region," Zarif said in a press conference following his arrival at Beirut Rafic Hariri international airport.

He emphasized that his talks with Lebanese officials will tackle cooperation between Beirut and Tehran.

He added "we are in great needs of dialogue and cooperation to confront regional challenges."

During his two-day official visit, Zarif is scheduled to meet with Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Tammam Salam, Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil and Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Iran and six world powers - the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany - broke last month a deal that is meant to curb Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions.

In addition to his talks on the deal, Zarif is expected to discuss with the Lebanese officials ways to improve bilateral economic cooperation.