The Iranian Foreign Minister, Kamal Kharrazi, has described relations between Rome and Teheran as exemplary, and has suggested that both countries could together play an important role in the Middle East.

Speaking in the north Italian city of Turin, on the first day of his official visit to the country, Mr Kharazzi praised what he called the reciprocal familiarity between the two countries.

He also said that Iran wanted relations based on mutual respect -- which he said Washington was not yet ready to accept.

Correspondents say that Italy has been leading efforts to improve relations between Iran and the European Union.

Mr Kharrazi is due to meet President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro and other senior Italian politicians later today