Persian Gulf part of region’s shared identity
Speaking in his weekly press conference, Nasser Kan'ani pointed to the National Persian Gulf Day, saying that the Persian Gulf is part of the shared historical and cultural identity of the region.
"Iran considers the strengthening of neighborliness ties with the Persian Gulf states as the most important factor in achieving common security. Iran's principled policy is neighbors and establishing collective security with the participation of all countries in the region, especially with the countries of the Persian Gulf region," the spokesman said.
Iran marks April 30 as the National Persian Gulf Day which falls on Ordibehesht 10 in the Iranian calendar in a bid to commemorate the historical identity and name of the international waterway.
The date coincides with the anniversary of a successful military campaign by Shah Abbas I of Persia in 1622, which drove the Portuguese navy out of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran never limited ties to specific geographical area
Answering a question about Iran's relations with Europe, Kan'ani said, "Iran has never limited its ties to a specific geographical area in the field of foreign relations. The 13th administration [Raeisi's admin.] has always emphasized balanced foreign relations and put attention to the neighbors and Asia as its important priority. Focusing on Asia, neighbors and the East does not mean ignoring the existing capacities in other geographical areas. We tried to organize relations with Europe based on mutual respect and interests, but the European side focused on certain issues and those issues acted as deterrents due to their specific approaches."
Iran, Syria two important, influential countries in West Asian region
The Iranian diplomat also pointed to the Iranian President's visit to Syria on Wednesday, saying, "The President's visit will be carried out according to the schedule. Iran and Syria are two important and influential countries in the West Asian region and have strategic cooperation, especially in the fight against terrorism. Considering the fact that the reconstruction process has started in Syria, Iran is ready to help the country in the field of technical and engineering services as it has always been beside the Syrian government, nation and army in the fight against terrorists."
Iran not interfere in Lebanon’s affairs
Regarding the developments in Lebanon and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s visit to the country, Kan'ani said the Islamic Republic has always stated clearly that the solution to Lebanon’s problems should come from the Lebanese government and people.
He said Amir-Abdollahian also reiterated that position during his visit and emphasized that Iran does not interfere in Lebanon’s affairs.
The spokesman also added that after an agreement was reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia to resume political relations, the Lebanese official and public spheres welcomed the development.
Diplomatic efforts to revive JCPOA not ceased
Speaking about the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) talks, he said that not holding negotiation meetings on the JCPOA does not mean a complete stagnation or the cessation of diplomatic efforts to revive the JCPOA.
The path of diplomacy is still open and the exchange of messages between the parties continues, he added, saying that Iran is ready to conclude negotiations by observing its red lines. The negotiation path will not be open forever.
Iran reopens diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia
"Three diplomatic missions of the Islamic Republic of Iran — the embassy in Riyadh as well as the consulate general and the Iranian representative office at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah — have resumed operations," Kanaani said.
On Friday, Iran’s top diplomat Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that "Iranian embassies and consulates will resume operations in the next few days."
On March 10, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to normalize relations between the two countries and open embassies within two months. Relevant talks in Beijing that lasted several days concluded with a trilateral statement.
MNA/FNA14020211000274
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