Hawzah News Agency –Speaking on Thursday in a meeting with foreign ambassadors in Tehran a day before the celebration of the 43rd anniversary of the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi expressed hope that the current year would be the year of peace and excellence of high human values".
The President said that the great Iranian nation is celebrating the 43rd anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution these days, adding, "This revolution is the product of the people's deep belief in the transcendent principles and values of Islam, freedom, justice and intelligent leadership".
Dr Raisi stated, "The strategic thought of the Islamic Republic of Iran is rooted in the school of Imam Khomeini (RA), the founder of the Islamic Revolution and the concept of pure Islam".
The President described the message of the Islamic Revolution as the denial of hegemony and domination, the non-interference of world powers in the internal affairs of independent nations, defending the oppressed, the right to self-determination and independence in domestic and foreign policies.
He said, "These ideals are universal values, disagreement with which means denying human and moral values, and the proud Iranian nation still stand by these ideals".
Ayatollah Raisi described comprehensiveness, dynamism and intelligence as the characteristics of the Islamic Republic's foreign policy, adding, "The foreign policy of the popular administration, since the beginning of its office, has been based on the Supreme Leader's guidelines, which are 'Maximum interaction with neighbouring countries and allies', 'attention to the capacity of regional and international organisations' and 'development of economic diplomacy'".
The President said that the 13th government has proved its sincerity in strengthening the relations and friendly relations with neighbours and other international partners in the period since its inauguration, saying, "In our efforts for a new approach in the field of diplomacy, we are trying to create a new chapter of cooperation and multilateralism".
Dr Raisi added, "In this regard, we have implemented an important part of the 25-year strategic partnership agreement with the People's Republic of China. We have a similar agreement with the Russian Federation on the agenda, and trying to strengthen cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union and becoming a permanent member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation".
The President continued, "We have also taken effective steps to improve relations with all neighbours and by strengthening ports and transit corridors, we have prepared the way for the development and expansion of cooperation with neighbours".
Ayatollah Raisi stated, "Although the development of relations with neighbouring countries and Asia and the activation of economic diplomacy by prioritising the economy in foreign interactions, especially with Asian partners, is one of the priorities of the diplomatic apparatus, but due to balanced, dynamic and intelligent foreign policy, special attention is paid to deepening relations and increasing cooperation with the aim of benefiting from reciprocal capacities with other geographical regions such as Africa, Latin America and Europe".
The President stated, "We are trying to establish and operate a coherent and continuous relationship with other geographical areas and in accordance with the strategic weight, political, economic and commercial position of each region, with a realistic view and away from any influence of external factors and redundant variables".
Dr Raisi pointed out, "Being in a sensitive and important political and economic situation and having wide sea coasts and very high capacities, especially in the fields of transit, energy, trade, agriculture, industry and technology, the Islamic Republic of Iran is interested in creating and continuing a new atmosphere of cooperation and beneficial relations with neighbouring, surrounding and friendly countries in order to meet the mutual needs and interests based on the policy of maximum interaction".
The President continued, "Unique investment opportunities, suitable domestic market, privileged geographical position along with stable and continuous internal security, create suitable conditions for transit connection and crossing of energy lines and the possibility of improving the quantity and quality of commodity trade in Iran".
Pointing out that many dominating powers are trying to prevent Iran from being in a position that it is entitled to, the President added, "Nevertheless, the Islamic Republic of Iran, backed by domestic efforts and having a rich history, civilisation and culture, is an undeniable reality in the politics of the region and the world and a friendly and reliable partner country and a special focus for economic integration with neighbours and other international partners".