Iran Proposes Regional Dialogue and Cooperation Forum

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During a diplomatic tour to neighboring Arab countries, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian proposed a regional dialogue and cooperation forum.

The minister visited Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from June 19 until late Thursday, engaging with top officials in each country.

Support for UN Secretary-General's Proposal:

Amirabdollahian expressed support for the proposal put forth by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to convene an eight-country regional forum in New York in September.

The envisioned forum would include Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, with the intention of continuing its work beyond the UN General Assembly gathering.

Commitment to Engagement and Effective Measures:

The Iranian Foreign Minister, following discussions with officials and counterparts from the visited countries, expressed a commitment to embrace the UN Secretary-General's initiative as a positive step.

Amirabdollahian emphasized the need for more effective measures within this new framework, signaling a desire for increased dialogue and cooperation in the region.

Iran's Outreach amid US Sanctions:

Despite enduring tough sanctions imposed by the United States since 2018, Iran has been actively pursuing improved relations, particularly in the economic sphere, with countries across the region.

The diplomatic efforts seek to enhance ties and foster economic cooperation.

Diplomatic Engagements and Truce in Yemen:

During the tour, Amirabdollahian met with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha.

He also engaged with Mohammed Abdulsalam, the chief negotiator of the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, in Muscat.

Notably, diplomatic progress has been made in Yemen, with a truce and engagement between the Iran-backed Houthi movement and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.

This was facilitated by a China-brokered agreement in March.

Focus on Trade and Investments:

Trade and investments were significant focal points for Amirabdollahian, as he sought to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance regional security.

During a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Tehran, both countries expressed their commitment to ending the diplomatic rift and emphasized economic cooperation as a means to achieve this goal.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)