Iran Open to Stronger Cooperation with Qatar

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed the country’s readiness for closer cooperation with Qatar to contribute to regional stability and security.

“Tehran is prepared to expand consultations with friendly countries in the region, including Qatar, for strengthening regional stability and security,” President Rouhani said in a telephone conversation with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran and Qatar have common purposes and interests, and can achieve their purposes, which are in line with regional development and stability, through closer cooperation and consultation,” the president added.

He also stressed the need for strategic talks between Iran and other regional states.

President Rouhani, who was inaugurated in August 2013, has repeatedly voiced the country’s resolve to forge good relations with neighboring countries.

For his part, the Qatari emir said his country is “proud” of its amicable ties with Iran, and hoped for the enhancement of Tehran-Doha relations.

Highlighting Iran’s significant role in the region, Sheikh Tamim underscored that Qatar favors “good and strategic relations” between Iran and the Persian Gulf littoral countries.

The young Qatari emir took over in 2013 after his father stepped down.