Ex-British envoy to Iran lauds Iran-UK ties

“I am sad to be coming to the end of my posting in Iran. Relations between UK/Iran have developed positively & come a long way since we reopened the embassies in 2015,” Hopton said Wednesday in a Twitter post.

“There remains much to do, & I am delighted to welcome Rob Macaire's appointment as my successor at end April,” he added.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office had introduced Robert Macaire as new ambassador of the UK to Iran.

“Iran has an important role to play in the Middle East region, but it is essential that it does so in a constructive way – something I made clear during my visit to Tehran in December last year. The Iran deal, signed in 2015, was a huge diplomatic success,” The UK government quoted Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs as saying.

Maccaire also earlier commented on his appointment, and said “I am honoured to be appointed the new British Ambassador to Iran. The UK’s continued engagement with Iran is vital to our goal of making the Middle East region a safer and more stable place. I look forward to working with the Government of Iran and with international partners to preserve the nuclear deal and deepen our bilateral relationship, through constructive engagement on human rights, trade, and seeking political solutions to the conflicts in Yemen, Syria and elsewhere.”

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