IRNA � Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Iran and Spain Mohammad Javad Zarif and Alfonso Dastis Quecedo in separate messages congratulated the anniversary of the 400th years relations between Iran and Spain.


Addressing the exhibition and the conference which kicked off today to mark the anniversary in Madrid, Iranian ambassador to Spain Mohammad Hassan Fadaie Fard read Zarif�s message.

�Undoubtedly, holding such scientific and academic meetings is the best context to exchange thoughts and deep understanding of both nations,� the message reads.

�Iranians have been familiar with Spain�s politeness, thought, art, nature, architecture, policy and philosophy.�

�During several decades of Muslims' presence in Spain, Iranian culture also played important role in Spain�s culture and civilization,� the message further reads.

Alfonso Dastis Quecedo also addressed the meeting extending friendly greetings to Iranian government and nation.

He also expressed happiness over the great and long-standing ties between two countries.

'The exhibition and the conference was held with the help of Iran and Spain foreign ministries and participation of center for documentation and history of diplomacy of Iran and the historical documentation center of Simancas in Spain,� Fadaie Fard said.

Iranologists, orientalogists, and scholars as well as officials of Iran and Spain foreign ministries are to review historical relations between the two countries.

Spain's first anbassador came to Iran 400 years ago during the Safavid dynasty.

Iran and Spain signed the first trade and friendship agreement in 1852 and Iranian embassy in Spain opened in 1917.