Amirabdollahian: Boosting ties with neighbors a top priority in Iran’s foreign policy

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian underscored the importance that the Islamic Republic attaches to the promotion of all-out relations with neighbors, especially Arab countries.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Amirabdollahian said President Ebrahim Raisi was “warmly welcomed” by the emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani upon arriving in Doha on Monday.

He added that relations between Tehran and Doha have deep-rooted historical and cultural commonalities, and are based on common interests.

“Strengthening of relations with neighbors, especially Arab countries, is a top priority in Iran’s foreign policy. Our hand is extended toward our neighbors,” the Iranian foreign minister noted.

Raisi said on Monday he intended to improve the Islamic Republic’s interactions and communications with the Arab littoral states of the Persian Gulf and activate good neighborly diplomacy during his visit to Qatar.

“The trip to Qatar is in line with the activation of [our] neighborly diplomacy, especially with Persian Gulf countries, and is meant to tap their capacities in order to develop political and economic ties,” he told reporters before departing Tehran for Doha to attend the sixth summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

The Iranian president also expressed hope that the trip would contribute to the promotion of political, economic, and trade relations with regional countries, especially the Persian Gulf states.

During his two-day trip, negotiations will be held between top Iranian and Qatari officials, and a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) will be signed by the two sides.

Besides addressing the Sixth Summit of GECF in Doha on Tuesday, Raisi is expected to hold talks with leaders of the participating countries on the sidelines of the event.



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