Roundup: Iranian FM discusses missile testing, human rights in Australia

Iran's Foreign Minister Dr Javad Zarif has on Tuesday become the first senior Iranian minister to visit Australia in 13 years, after he met with his Australian counterpart to discuss both global and regional issues in Canberra.

Zarif, along with Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, discussed Iran's recent decision to carry out nuclear missile tests, as well as the human rights issue surrounding the Islamic republic and renewed two-way trade between Australia and Iran.

When asked about last week's nuclear missile exercises which drew condemnation from nations such as the United States, Zarif said the testing done by Iran was "not illegal."

"Iran will never use any means to attack any country, including our missiles. These are only for our defense. I challenge those who are complaining about Iran's missile program to make the same statement," Zarif said.

Bishop, however, didn't express any opinion on UN investigation into the testing.

"It is Australia's position that should the United Nations Security Council wish to investigate this matter, then that would be the proper legal process for it to do so," Bishop told reporters.

The Iranian minister was also tight-lipped on accusations Iran was embroiled in a human rights abuse scandal. Iran was thrust into the global spotlight after a UN report suggested executions in Iran were at a 20-year high.

Zarif told the press he was "happy" to discuss human rights so long as human rights "do not become an instrument of political pressure".

He added that Iran was one of the most progressive nations in the Middle East region.

"(We are) the only serious country in the region that holds elections and people can vent their frustrations at the ballot box instead of through violence and extremism," he said.

"We hope that the improvement of human rights, which is a duty for all of us, towards our citizens and towards the international community should be and could be carried out more impartially and without political considerations," he added.

Bishop added that overall, the meeting was "very positive", however no deal had been struck in regards to the possible deportation of up to 9,000 Iranian refugees back to their home nation.

Zarif said Canberra was "within its rights" to deport illegal settlers, adding though it could not force its citizens to return, they could come back on their own accord.

"If anybody wants to come back voluntarily, we always take our citizens with pride," Zarif said.

Meanwhile Australia's Trade Minister Steve Ciobo announced details of a trade pact with Iran on Tuesday, and saying Australia was delighted to re-open its trade office in Tehran.

He said Iran was a nation which has "significant economic potential", and the government was pleased to strike a deal on the back of a recent lift in sanctions.

"The recent lifting of sanctions has created opportunities for Australian business in areas we excel: mining equipment, technology and services sectors and the supply of our agricultural commodities such as barley and wheat," Ciobo said in a statement released on Tuesday.

"Australia has also identified opportunities for commercial cooperation in the health and medical and education and skills training sectors," Ciobo said.

Ciobo also revealed the government spruiked Australian universities during the meeting with Zarif, and said the meeting could boost enrollment numbers in the future.

"Iranian universities are seeking greater student mobility and research collaboration with Australian universities," Ciobo said, "There are currently around 3,500 Iranian students studying in Australia, with approximately 1,000 new enrollments each year." Endit