“The interaction the government has with the neighboring countries, which is based on decisions made by the Islamic system, is strategic. We have good ties with our neighbors expect for one. We have good relations with Azerbaijan in the north, and with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait in the south; with Turkiye and Iraq in the west, and with Afghanistan and Pakistan in the east”, Bagheri Kani said on Sunday at a national TV program.
The foreign ministry official also said that Iran’s policy towards its neighbors is based on détente, adding that the Islamic Republic “will not allow foreigners to misuse potential gaps” between the country and its neighbors.
“Through strengthening deep-rooted and strategic bonds with the neighboring countries, we have the strong determination to create a stable region that enjoys collective cooperation and security so that grounds are prepared for the withdrawal of the US from the region”, Bagheri Kani said, referring to a viewpoint of Supreme Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei who believes that the US presence in the region is the main cause of regional tensions.
We should have “brotherly and friendly” relations with our neighbors in order for the US withdrawal from the region to happen, the deputy FM said, adding that “this is a strategic decision by the Iranian government.”
Bagheri Kani also spoke about the upcoming elections in Iran, saying that a strong turnout sends the message to enemies that the Iranian people care about the independence of their country and intend to maintain it as they have done in the past decades after the 1979 Islamic revolution.
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