Persian Gulf littoral states turn the waterway into a sea of friendship: Zarif
EghtesadOnline: Marking the Persian Gulf National Day on April 30, Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called on the sea’s littoral states to cooperate with each other to address regional challenges.
According to ISNA, here is the full text of Zarif’s article on the occasion:
The Persian Gulf National Day is an occasion to celebrate the exit of colonial and foreign forces from the region. However, this vital waterway continues to suffer from major powers’ interventions as well as their destructive role in waging wars and crises.
As its strategic policy, the Islamic Republic of Iran highlights the importance of the regional countries’ competence to run their affairs.
The Persian Gulf littoral countries have the right to decide independently short of foreign meddling.
Joint cooperation is required in the Persian Gulf region to create mechanisms in order to use opportunities, counter threats and challenges, prevent foreign intervention, preserve regional security, guarantee free shipping and bridge differences on the basis of honoring national sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.
Regional countries are able to meet their interests and shield themselves against threats through cooperation.
The Government of Prudence and Hope seeks dialogue and cooperation on the basis of its strategic policy to prioritize relations with neighbors and a reliance on its national power.
It is essential to stop unilateral approaches in favor of regional stability and balanced development. The Persian Gulf region must not turn into conflict hotbed.
Despite differences, the Persian Gulf can turn into a sea of friendship.