Iran wants to improve its relations with Serbia, according to Iranian Ambassador to Belgrade Abolghasem Delfi, who also stated that Belgrade and Pristina should start a dialogue as soon as possible.

The relations between the two countries were of great importance during the former Yugoslavia, and it is possible to foster that type of cooperation nowadays as well, Delfi told Tanjug ahead of the anniversary of the 1979 revolution in Iran.

Iran, with its 70 million people, a very young and well educated workforce and a vast amount of fuel, has achieved great progress in economy and social relations since the Islamic Revolution, and that can be put to good use, the ambassador noted, adding that Serbia's agriculture, science and technology could also find their place on the Iranian market.

Companies from Iran and Serbia need to get to know each other better to be able to improve the two nations' economic cooperation.

The two countries' potential could also be used jointly on the markets of some other countries, Delfi argued.

Peace and stability in the Balkans are very important, which is why Iran has not changed its initial decision regarding Kosovo, he remarked.

Every problem has to be solved according to international law and UN documents, the ambassador stressed, adding that he felt dialogue was the best way to reach a solution.

He commented on the 50th anniversary of the first summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which is to be held in Belgrade, by saying that Serbia played a major role in organizing NAM at its beginnings.

The meeting in Belgrade should help achieve the goals of the movement, which are peace and stability throughout the world, said the ambassador, whose country will be taking over NAM presidency in the second half of 2011.

Iran has had a very hard time since the Islamic Revolution, but almost all of its problems have turned into opportunities to accomplish the goals of the revolution and improve the country, Delfi explained.

There have been great steps forward in improving literacy, education, women's rights, and military technology, he stated, adding that Iran now relies more on the country's own resources in industry.