IRNA � Foreign Minister of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Thursday in Rome that the influence of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the region has roots in its right choices and not supporting the Al-Qaeda, Saddam Hussein, Daesh, Al-Nusra and the likes.


Zarif made the remarks in an address to a group of the Iranian nationals residing in Italy where he arrived earlier in the day to attend the third international conference on 'Mediterranean Dialogue'.

Relying on its people, the Islamic Republic of Iran has successfully overcome all difficulties and crises,� Zarif said.

He referred to Iran as a �country which its security, legitimacy, developments and advancements are all rooted from inside�.

�An Iranian is an Iranian no matter where he or she lives and their hearts only beat for Iran,� Zarif said adding, �The Iranian nationals residing in other countries are courageous representative of Iran and the [Iranian] Foreign Ministry is proud of rendering services to such educated society outside the country.�

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif leading a delegation arrived in Rome on Thursday to attend the third international conference on 'Mediterranean Dialogue'.

The visit is taking place upon an official invitation extended by his Italian counterpart Angelino Alfano.

Zarif is to address the gathering.

The agenda of the forum, held from November 30 to December 2, is common security, common prosperity, immigration, culture and civil society.

Mediterranean Dialogs is the annual high-level initiative promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ISPI (Italian Institute for International Political Studies) in Rome.

The event aims at drafting a �positive agenda� for the Mediterranean by stimulating debate and promoting new ideas, rethinking traditional approaches and addressing shared challenges at both the regional and the international level, wrote the official website of the event.