Iran to Remain Reliable Partner for All Persian Gulf States: FM
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran will continue to be a trustworthy partner for all countries in the Persian Gulf region.
“I assure you that … Iran will remain a steadfast and reliable partner for all Persian Gulf states,” Zarif said on Tuesday, addressing the 2nd meeting of Iran-UAE High Joint Economic Commission in Abu Dhabi.
He described security in the Persian Gulf region as integrated and said the regional countries can guarantee a calm, peaceful, stable, advanced and proud future for their people and future generations only through development of political, security, economic and cultural cooperation among the governments of the region.
Zarif also referred to the global developments and constructive interactions of the Islamic Republic of Iran aimed at reducing trans-regional tensions, especially efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, and assured neighbors and regional friends that Iran’s scientific and technological progresses and its trans-regional accomplishments are in the interest of the entire region in long-term.
Iran’s top diplomat further highlighted the good and brotherly relations between Iran and the United Arab Emirates and said "ground is set for the two countries to become strategic partners in the region."
He underlined that the reciprocal visits by the two countries’ foreign ministers in recent months indicates a strong political resolve for developing and deepening bilateral ties.
In December 2013, Zarif paid an official visit to the UAE and held a meeting with Emirati President Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always taken steps in line with the welfare and interests of regional countries and emphasizes the establishment of peace, stability and balance (in the region),” Zarif said at the time.
Earlier in November, Foreign Minister of the UAE visited Tehran for talks with Iranian officials on issues of mutual interest.
Bilateral relations between Tehran and Abu Dhabi have been developing since Iranian President Hassan Rouhani took the office in August last year.
The volume of non-oil trade exchanges between Iran and the Persian Gulf state reached $9.637 billion during the first three quarters of the last Iranian year (ended on March 20, 2014).
