Iran's President: Security, peace ensured through cooperation among regional states

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The Iran's President mentioned Qatar as a good friend and neighbour of Iran in the region and stressed the need to develop relations between the two countries in all fields, especially commercial and economic relations.

Speaking in a meeting with the Qatari Foreign Minister on Monday evening, Dr Hassan Rouhani referred to recent developments in the region and the need to develop joint cooperation between Tehran and Doha, adding, "Relations between the two countries have been very good and developing in recent years, and with the new international conditions, opportunities should be used to develop and deepen relations and cooperation".

Dr Rouhani also referred to the agreements reached during the Emir of Qatar's visit to Iran last year and the agreements of the Joint Economic Commission of the two countries, emphasising the need to accelerate the implementation and operation of these agreements and said, "Iran and Qatar can develop relations in various fields, including economic, commercial, cultural, scientific and tourism, and cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries can play an important role in this direction".

Expressing that the progress of any country in the region will be achieved by establishing peace and stability in the region, the President welcomed dialogue and cooperation with the countries of the Persian Gulf and stressed, "We remain committed to the Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE) initiative and believe that peace and stability in the region will not be achieved except through cooperation and dialogue between the countries of the region, and it is the countries of the region that must decide for their own".

Referring to the recent developments in the United States and the end of Trumpism in the country and the announcement of different policies by the new US administration, including the desire to return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Dr Rouhani said, "Today, it has been proven to the world that the policy of maximum pressure has failed and the new US administration has no choice but to make up for the mistakes of the previous administration and fulfil its legal obligations".

Emphasising the need for the United States to lift sanctions and return to UN Security Council Resolution 2231, the President said, "Whenever the United States lifts illegal sanctions and returns to law, Iran will immediately fulfil all its obligations under the deal".

During the meeting, the Qatari Foreign Minister described Iran as a friendly country in the region and stressed the development and deepening of bilateral relations in all fields, especially commercial and economic cooperation.

Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani also delivered a written message from the Emir of Qatar to Dr Rouhani, and mentioned the Islamic Republic of Iran as a powerful and influential country in the region and stressed the need for cooperation and consensus in the region and the Persian Gulf.

Bin Jassim Al Thani added, "We have always believed in maintaining peace and stability and dialogue between the countries of the region, and we also call for regional dialogue to resolve the issues between regional countries following the HOPE initiative".

Appreciating Iran's support and cooperation in the period of sanctions against Qatar, the Qatari Foreign Minister said, "We hope that with the return of the United States to the JCPOA, the problems and sanctions within the framework of this agreement will be resolved as soon as possible, and Qatar will not hesitate for any kind of assistance in this regard".

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