Pezeshkian: Gov’t diplomacy based on interaction with world
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government’s foreign policy is based on interaction with the world, especially the neighboring countries.
During a televised interview on Monday, Pezeshkian underlined that Iran should open up its economy and expand its cooperation with other countries.
Pezeshkian called the interaction with the world a solution for the country to overcome its economic “crises.”
In this regard, he said, Iran is seeking to expand its economic relations with Eurasian countries and plans to follow up and implement the agreements signed with China and Russia.
He also pointed to the agreements that have been reached with India and Iraq, saying that his government will do its utmost to implement them.
Since taking office in July, Pezeshkian has vowed to prioritize the consolidation of ties with Iran’s neighbors.
Relations between Iran and Iraq have grown closer over the past two decades.
Negotiations with Europe
The Iranian president also pointed to recent negotiations between Iran, France, Germany and the UK, saying that the three European countries followed the United States and imposed new sanctions against Iran.
Pezeshkian added that, “Despite all this, we are seeking to prove that we are not looking for war and that we are looking for peace.”
Countering terrorists
Pezeshkian also expressed Iran’s resolve to utilize all capacities at its disposal to counter terrorists in Syria in coordination with the country’s neighbors.
Pezeshkian said that his telephone conversations with his Syrian and Russian counterparts, as well as the Qatari emir and the Iraqi prime minister, focused on the issue that, “Terrorists and conspirators should not be allowed to drag the region into war and bloodshed again.”
“We respect the territorial integrity of all countries, which we believe should not be violated under any pretexts,” he added.
The remarks came after foreign-backed terror outfits waged a surprise attack on Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city, on Wednesday and captured several areas.
In response to a question about a new law on hijab approved by the parliament, Pezeshkian said, “As a person in charge of enforcing this law, I have many reservations about it.”
“We risk laying waste to a lot of things in society due to this law,” said the Iranian president.
The new law requires the president’s signature on December 13 to take effect.
Pezeshkian also complained about the small budget that has been allocated to the universities, which is about $1.5 to 2 million for a year.
He also referred to the shortage of energy in the country which has one of the largest energy reserves in the world, saying, “To solve the problems, we must accept that experts and specialists should make decisions and provide solutions. We welcome anyone who can help solve the problem of energy shortage in the country.”