Iran: Effective Steps Taken to Expand Relations with Arab States
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran has taken effective steps for the expansion of ties with the regional states, particularly the Arab countries, Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian said.
“We need to provide a broad atmosphere for the expansion of our relations with the regional countries, especially with the Arab states,” said the deputy FM in an interview with an IRIB Channel 2 news program on Monday night.
The Islamic Republic has already taken effective steps for improving relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the Iranian officials stated.
As regards ties with Riyadh, Amir Abdollahian said, “There are some (remaining) misunderstandings with Saudi Arabia, but positive signals have been sent from both sides.”
He added that improvement of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia would not only be in the two nation’s interests, but also serves the interests of the Islamic world.
When asked about Iran’s latest stances on Bahrain issue, Amir Abdollahian said the regional countries and the international community should pay special attention to the developments in Bahrain.
“Iran uses every possible chance to resolve problems in Bahrain and have proposed appropriate political solution during its official talks with the country's officials,” he added.
He added that foreign intervention and aggressive moves in Syria, Bahrain, Egypt, Libya and Yemen must be ended immediately, and underlined that the solution to the crises in those countries should be democratic, political, and based on national dialogue.
On September 19, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani hailed Saudi Arabia as a close friend of the Islamic Republic, and expressed both nations’ willingness to smooth over "trivial tensions" that have strained bilateral relations.
The Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, has on many occassions noted that improving ties and cooperation with the neighboring states sets a top priority for Iran’s foreign policy.
President Rouhani also believes that his administration will pursue the policy of moderation in dealing with foreign countries and at the same time will safeguard Iranian national security.
