Washington, Feb 3 : Iranian foreign minister has said his country is prepared to move ahead in negotiations over its nuclear programme.

Mohamad Javad Zarif assured Western diplomats that Iran has the political will and good faith to reach a 'balanced' long-term agreement.

According to Politico, Zarif told a gathering of the world's top diplomats and security officials that Iran and Western nations were just beginning to build the trust necessary for a long-term agreement.

The comments came after Zarif met one-on-one with Secretary of State John Kerry on the sidelines of the conference.

Iran also has agreed to a new round of negotiations on Feb. 18 in Vienna with a six-nation group of world powers, the five permanent members of the U. N. Security Council plus Germany, the report added. (ANI)