Iranian FM: Provincial diplomacy a new path to strengthen regional relations

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi emphasized during the opening session of the Second Regional Provincial Diplomacy Summit in the holy city of Mashhad with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in attendance that developing special relations with neighboring countries is a top priority of the nation’s foreign policy.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, emphasized during the opening session of the Second Regional Provincial Diplomacy Summit in the holy city of Mashhad, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in attendance, that developing special relations with neighboring countries is a top priority of the nation’s foreign policy.

 

Referring to the vast potential for regional cooperation with neighboring states, the foreign minister stated, “Iran’s trade volume with each of its neighboring countries exceeds the total trade with some other regions, which highlights the strategic importance of economic relations with our neighbors.”

 

He added that provincial diplomacy can bring significant benefits to the country, noting, “In the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, neighbors hold the highest priority, followed by surrounding countries which occupy the second tier of importance in regional diplomacy.”

 

The head of the Iranian diplomatic service stressed that many bilateral issues between Iran and its neighbors, especially in border areas, can be examined and resolved at the provincial level.

 

Araghchi pointed out, “Borders where goods and passengers move freely will not become passageways for terrorists and smugglers. If local officials in border provinces reach mutual understandings, those borders will transform into borders of peace.”

 

Referring to the support of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the president for the provincial diplomacy approach, the foreign minister clarified, “This framework does not involve delegating foreign policy to the provinces, but rather delegating the implementation of foreign policy proportionate to each province’s capacities.”

 

The head of the diplomatic service also highlighted the economic and cultural capacities of the provinces in showcasing the country’s capabilities, stating, “Introducing Iran’s capacities to the world must be pursued in a cohesive and targeted manner. Provinces can identify their key products and prepare media and economic packages for target countries.”

 

Araghchi further proposed that governors of border provinces with international potential appoint a deputy for international affairs to pursue provincial diplomacy, and that foreign ministry offices in the provinces act as international advisors to the governors.

 

The Second Provincial Diplomacy Summit began on Wednesday, October 22, at the Pardisan Hotel in Mashhad, with the participation of 12 ambassadors of the Islamic Republic of Iran, governors of Razavi, North, and South Khorasan provinces, deputy foreign ministers, and officials from national and provincial chambers of commerce.