Afghan Voice Agency (AVA): Seyyed Abbas Araqchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, delivered a speech at the “Iran-Arab World Dialogue” conference on Saturday, May 10, during his visit to Doha, the capital of Qatar. He considered the conference a valuable opportunity to exchange views with regional thinkers and elites in order to promote interaction and understanding between Iran and Arab countries, and thanked the Strategic Council for Foreign Relations of Iran and the Al Jazeera Studies Center in Qatar for holding this event.
Araqchi continued, pointing to the need for cooperation and consensus in strengthening relations, and stated: “This gathering is a step towards deepening communication and mutual understanding between Iran and the Arab world. Throughout history, the ties between Iran and the Arab world within the framework of the great Islamic civilization have brought valuable fruits to the Islamic world and the international community, which today are considered part of the common Islamic heritage and are a source of pride for all of us.”
The Growing Need for Understanding and Solidarity
Referring to the historical and cultural background of the West Asian region, the Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized: “Our region has long been the birthplace of great civilizations and rich cultures, and today, more than ever, it needs understanding and unity.”
Stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran has placed the principle of dialogue at the center of its policies, both domestically and regionally and globally, he noted: “Based on the principled policies of the Islamic Republic, we are seeking to achieve regional consensus.”
Regional developments; an opportunity to bring perspectives closer
Iraqchi continued by referring to the developments of the past year in West Asia and added: “Despite the bitterness of these developments, these events have brought perspectives closer together in the region and provided a basis for common understanding to confront threats. Today, we have entered a new stage of regional dialogue and cooperation.”
The Zionist regime; the main threat to regional peace
Iraqchi continued his speech by addressing the issue of Palestine and emphasized: “One cannot speak about the goals of the Islamic world and at the same time remain indifferent to the oppression being inflicted on the Palestinian people. The existence of the Zionist regime is the greatest threat to regional peace and security.”
Criticizing US policies, he stated: “The United States’ support for this regime has turned it into an accomplice in crimes. The Zionist regime has not only practically abandoned the idea of two states, but is also pursuing the project of colonizing the Palestinian people using heinous methods.”
Araqchi emphasized that preventing genocide in Palestine and confronting the project of eliminating this nation is a legal, moral and strategic duty for all countries in the region, and we should not remain silent in the face of this regime’s expansionism in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.
The need to create a regional discourse based on mutual respect
He also addressed the attendees at the Iran-Arab World Dialogue Summit, saying: “We believe that only by forming a regional discourse based on respect, coexistence and common legitimate interests can we achieve a secure and stable future.”
Araqchi emphasized the need to strengthen the process of trust-building among the countries of the region and said: “The transformation in the regional discourse must replace the principle of partnership with the balance of power approach, and in this regard, cooperation in areas such as cultural exchanges, tourism and trade is of particular importance.”
A strong region; a condition for sustainable prosperity
The Foreign Minister continued: “Growth and progress do not depend solely on the existence of one or more powerful countries, but rather require a strong region. This meeting should be seen as a step towards replacing confrontation with understanding. The next step should be to design an institutional mechanism to continue these talks, create communication channels between the elites, and define joint projects to resolve regional issues.”
Emphasizing Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy
In the final part of his speech, Araqchi, referring to the indirect talks between Iran and the United States, the fourth round of which is scheduled to be held tomorrow, stated: “Iran considers acquiring nuclear weapons forbidden and has always been a committed member of the non-proliferation regime. However, we insist on our legitimate right to peaceful use of nuclear energy, including enrichment.”
He continued: “We are not seeking nuclear weapons, and these weapons have no place in Iran’s security doctrine. We are pioneers of the idea of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in West Asia. However, it is necessary for those claiming to counter proliferation to avoid double standards.”
He added: "We cannot be concerned about Iran's peaceful nuclear program on the one hand and ignore an aggressive and occupying regime with a vast arsenal of nuclear weapons on the other. Talks with the United States and other parties continue in good faith. The goal is to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful, and that goal has already been achieved. But if the goal is to deprive Iran of its legitimate nuclear rights, Iran will never back down from its rights.”
The fourth round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States is set to resume in Muscat today, Sunday, May 11, under the current sensitive circumstances. The US special envoy has warned that if they do not reach an agreement at today’s meeting, they will not continue the talks.