Former Kuwaiti MP: Regional Countries need to Build Trust
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A former Kuwaiti lawmaker said the prospects for better ties between Iran and other regional countries have improved following President Hassan Rouhani's election, as he has set enhancing ties with regional countries as a priority for his administration.
“I hope during President Hassan Rouhani’s tenure… Tehran would improve its relations with all Persian Gulf countries, as this would contribute to regional stability in the Middle East and help the countries to expand their relations and address their internal problems,” Nasser Sarkhouh told Tasnim News Agency Monday.
An issue that plays an important role in relations between countries is trust, and regional countries should try to build rapport and trust between themselves, said the former lawmaker who added that some trivial problems have negatively affected Iran-kuwait relations.
“Unfortunately, trivial matters overshadow significant ones, but the elite and intellectuals should not be distracted by them and consider the larger interests of both sides... Expansion of relations between Kuwait and Iran will serve the interests of both sides as well as the whole region," Sarkhouh added.
Nasser Sarkhouh said that the Islamic Republic of Iran and Kuwait have left behind tough times during the past decades, such as the Iraqi imposed war against Iran(1980-1988) and the 1990 invasion of Kuwait by that ousted Iraqi dictator’s forces, concluding, “Therefore, the two countries very well appreciate the significance of mutual understanding and dialogue.”
President Rouhani has announced on several occasions that his administration will try to "create new opportunities for the country, remove threats and pursue policy of détente and mutual trust."
On September 17, the Iranian president said that improving ties and cooperation with the neighboring states is a top priority in Iran’s foreign policy.
Also on August 12, Rouhani had reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to pursue the policy of "constructive interaction" with other countries as a basis for Tehran's foreign policy.
