Switzerland hails Geneva talks, defends Iran gas deal

A high-ranking Swiss official has described the Geneva talks between Tehran and the P5+1 as a success, while terming as crucial the alpine country's gas deal with Iran.

Michael Ambuhl, State Secretary at the Swiss Foreign Ministry, who is on an official visit to Iran said on Monday that Bern attached much importance to the deal with Iran.

The deal has been criticized by Israel and a number of Western countries, who seek international pressure on Iran over its nuclear program.

Saeed Jalili, Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, in his meeting with the visiting Swiss official thanked the country for hosting the Geneva talks.

He added that Tehran was ready for more talks to address the concerns about Iran's nuclear program.

Jalili also conveyed Tehran's recognition of the Swiss efforts, a statement by the council read.

The Geneva talks on October 1 saw Iranian representatives and high-ranking diplomats from the five permanent UN Security Council — Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States — and Germany hold talks on global crisis.

Ambuhl, who hailed the talks as "successful," highlighted his country's interest in more ties with Iran as the two officials examined ways for better economic cooperation, the statement added.

Tehran and Bern penned a strategic gas contract worth USD 13 billion in March 2008.

According to the 25-year deal, Iran is obliged to deliver 5.5 billion cubic meters of gas to the European country per year, as Switzerland seeks to reduce its dependency on Russian gas.