The European Union (EU) foreign policy chief has highlighted Iran’s role in the region, saying it would be "naïve" to ignore the Islamic republic of Iran

The European Union (EU) foreign policy chief has highlighted Iran’s role in the region, saying it would be "naïve" to ignore the Islamic republic of Iran.

Speaking to reporters at UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Federica Mogherini called on Iran to play a more positive and active role in the region, particularly with respect to the ongoing crisis in Syria. 

The UN is to host a new round of talks with warring sides in Syria in the Swiss city of Geneva in May in a bid to put an end to more than four years of conflict in the Arab country.

On Friday, UN spokesman Ahmad Fawzi told journalists that invitations had been sent out to all parties who could help end the crisis, including different Syrian factions as well as regional and international players.

He said Iran, which was absent in previous negotiations in Switzerland, has been invited to the talks as well.

Also touching on negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, the senior EU official said that Tehran and the P5+1 countries were moving forward with finalizing a final agreement. "I'm confident that we can proceed with the good work," she added.