Foreign representatives at Rohani inauguration can help boost ties: MP

An Iranian lawmaker says the participation of representatives from different countries at the inauguration ceremony of President Hassan Rohani can help promote Iran’s international relations.

“The presence of influential political figures at the swearing-in ceremony can play an effective role in deepening the bilateral ties [between Iran and other countries] at the regional and international levels,” said Ahmad Reza Dastgheib, the vice-chairman of Iran’s Majlis Foreign Policy and National Security Committee, on Friday.

Delegations from more than 50 countries will attend Rohani’s inauguration ceremony at Majlis. Among the participating foreign dignitaries are ten presidents, six vice-presidents, two prime ministers, eight parliament speakers as well as several prominent former officials.

Former European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana and former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will also take part in the ceremony as special guests.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Kubish will participate in the event as the representative of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.”

Dastgheib hoped that the Foreign Ministry has taken the required measures for the country to benefit from the noted opportunity.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran always welcomes the expansion of relations with the countries in the region and across the world that are not swayed by the enemies’ hostile policies,” Dastgheib pointed out.

Rohani was endorsed by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Saturday and his swearing-in ceremony will be held on Sunday with the participation of Iranian officials as well as foreign dignitaries in Majlis.

Rohani won Iran’s June 14 presidential election with 50.7 percent of a total of 36, 704, 156 ballots. The voter turnout in the election was 72.7 percent.