Iranian gov., nation will always stand by friendly governments, nations: President Rouhani

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has once again reiterated the Islamic Republic’s determination to boost all-out ties with friendly countries and nations, saying that Tehran welcomes further expansion of mutual and regional relations with its neighbors.

““The Iranian nation and government has always stood by nations and governments of its friendly and brotherly neighbors, and welcomes further expansion of bilateral and regional ties with neighboring states,” Iran’s president said in a Monday meeting on ways to boost relations with neighbors.

Rouhani added, “We should sincerely join hands with all our brothers in the region and Iran’s neighbors to develop the entire region. A coordinated and common economic system in the region will help establish peace and security,”

He emphasized that strengthening strategic ties with neighboring countries, particularly in trade and economic sectors, is among top priorities of the Islamic Republic.

The Iranian president emphasized that historical and cultural bonds among regional nations constitute a firm pillar for further development and promotion of cooperation among neighboring countries, and help regional nations and governments meet their common interests.

Rouhani added that exchange of visits among regional nations and development of tourism, joint investment, and expansion of banking and financial cooperation among neighbors are important steps toward further strengthening of the existing relations.

The Iranian president said in March that Iran is ready to establish good relations with all its neighboring countries with an objective of advancing the region’s interests.

He said that even if there were strains in the ties between the Islamic Republic and some of its neighbors, they had been initiated by the opposite side.

Back in January, Iran’s foreign minister reaffirmed the country’s readiness for talks with all its neighbors amid tensions in the Persian Gulf region.

“Iran remains open to dialogue with its neighbors, and we declare our readiness to participate in any complementary work that is in the interest of the region, and we welcome any step that restores hope to its people and brings them stability and prosperity,” Zarif said in a tweet.