New Zealand to step up political, economic links with Iran

New Zealand is to strengthen its official links with Iran when Foreign Minister Murray McCully visits Tehran this weekend.

McCully said Friday he would meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and other members of the Iranian government during his visit.

"My visit to Tehran follows a successful visit to New Zealand by Minister Mohammad Zarif earlier this year," McCully said in a statement.

"Our discussions will cover a range of Middle East regional security issues and trade and economic relations between our two countries," he said.

"While in Tehran I will sign an agricultural cooperation arrangement, which will support exchanges between our farmers and producers, and announce the reinstatement of formal talks between Iran and New Zealand, known as the Political and Economic Cooperation Commission."

McCully would travel onwards to Istanbul to attend the United Nations World Humanitarian Summit.

"The World Humanitarian Summit is a chance for the international community to discuss our collective response to armed conflict and natural disasters. We will be particularly focused on highlighting the specific humanitarian needs of the Pacific region," McCully said.