FM: Persian Gulf peace, security among Iranian foreign policy’s top priorities

Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi said on Monday that maintaining the Persian Gulf tranquility and security and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open are among top priorities of Iran’s foreign policy.

Salehi, addressing reporters and a group of thinkers and diplomats in China said, “Our ties with the Persian Gulf littoral states are good and strong. Volume of our commercial transactions with the UAE ranges between Dlrs 12 billion and Dlrs 15 billion. Persian Gulf is an important region for both the regional countries and the world. It’s security is of crucial importance to us since oil is exported from there.”

On Bahrain issue, Salehi said, “As for Bahrain we have always stressed that our policy is based on non-intervention in others’ internal affairs and we have demonstrated that. My recent visits to some Arab states of the region were fruitful. During visits to those Arab states, candid and sincere talks were held and some misunderstandings and issues were brought into light. Like people in some North African states such as Tunisia and Egypt, people in Bahrain have raised their legal demands. I am re-emphasizing that the Islamic Republic of Iran respects other countries’ territorial integrity and national sovereignty.”

He hoped that Bahrainis’ problems will be solved by themselves.