TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called on European countries to play a more responsible role in support for the nuclear talks between Tehran and world powers.

In a Wednesday meeting with Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho, Zarif updated the European official on the latest status of the negotiations between Iran and the Group 5+1 (the five permanent UNSC members plus Germany) over Tehran's nuclear issue.

He further urged European countries to have a "responsible interaction" in support for the ongoing talks.

The latest round of negotiations between Iran and the sextet in the Swiss city of Lausanne resulted in a framework nuclear deal on April 2, with both sides committed to push for a final, comprehensive accord until the end of June.

The Portuguese premier, for his part, noted that reaching a comprehensive agreement would benefit Iran and the European negotiating sides as well as other countries.

Coelho expressed the hope that Iran and the Group 5+1 could reach a final accord, noting, however, that there will be "numerous difficulties" on the way requiring the two sides to take "confidence-building steps" in the remaining time.

Iran and six world powers are expected to start drafting a final deal next week. Zarif announced on Tuesday that the next round of negotiations will kick off on April 21 at the level of deputy foreign ministers and experts.

By Tasnim News Agency