An Iranian detained in the United States and an American imprisoned in Iran have been released, both countries said Saturday.
Xiyue Wang, a Sino-American man detained for three years in Iran, and Massoud Soleimani, detained in the United States, will soon be able to join their relatives, Iranian diplomatic chief Mohammad Javad Zarif announced on Twitter.
“We thank our Swiss partners for their assistance in negotiating Mr. Wang’s release with Iran,” said US President Donald Trump in a statement released by the White House. “Freeing Americans held captive is of vital importance to my Administration, and we will continue to work hard to bring home all our citizens wrongfully held captive overseas.”
Switzerland has represented US interests in Iran since 1980, when it broke off relations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif also thanked Switzerland. “Glad that Professor Massoud Soleimani and Mr. Xiyue Wang will be joining their families shortly,” he said in a tweet. “Many thanks to all engaged, particularly the Swiss government.”
Washington has demanded that Iran release all the Americans it is holding, including a navy veteran imprisoned last year and a former FBI agent missing since 2007. Several dozen Iranians are being held in US jails, many of them for breaking sanctions.
More
More
Swiss facilitate release of US citizen in Venezuelan prison
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry has confirmed its involvement in the release of a United States citizen from a prison in Venezuela in April.
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
How is your country dealing with the return of stolen artifacts?
Western nations like Switzerland often have to deal with the process of recovering or returning looted artifacts which have been illegally imported. What’s the situation like in your country?
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
What are Switzerland’s good offices good for?
This content was published on
As tensions and oil prices rise in the Middle East, the Swiss foreign ministry is offering its good offices. But what are they?
Switzerland to represent US interests in Venezuela
This content was published on
Switzerland is to represent the interests of the United States in Venezuela, under a “good offices” agreement between the two countries.
This content was published on
The Swiss ministry of foreign affairs announced Sunday that Switzerland will represent the interests of Saudi Arabia in Iran, and those of Iran in Saudi Arabia, following the rupture of diplomatic relations between the countries.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.