Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Sunday that Middle Eastern countries should solve their problems among themselves, peacefully, without relying on external powers.
He said that the only mean of boosting regional security is through developing economic, educational and cultural cooperation among regional countries.
Rouhani tried to speak in a moderate language during his speech at the inauguration of the first phase of Shahid Beheshti Port in the southeastern city of Chabahar.
“We believe that if there is a problem in the region, it can be solved through dialogue,” Rouhani said.
“We do not need arms nor the intervention of foreign powers. We can solve our problems ourselves through unity and dialogue.”
Rouhani was keen to send messages to the other side of the Gulf of Oman as well as internal messages, addressed primarily to the religious and national minorities that demand improvement of their internal situation.
He tried to dispel doubts about his commitment to his slogans in the recent elections, calling for moderation, especially in terms of improving Iran's relations with neighboring countries.
This emerged as a popular demand in the recent presidential election, which culminated in the victory of Rouhani to serve his second term.
The Iranian President reiterated his government's insistence on establishing trade relations and improving the economic situation by encouraging investment.
In this context, Rouhani chose to underestimate the importance of current crises in the region by ignoring to comment on regional and international calls for Iran to reconsider its behavior in the Middle East.
“Some believed that our region is a region of war, conflict and confrontation between Shiites and Sunnis and the presence of foreign forces, but today none of these issues occur,” he said.
In statements reported by the official Iranian agency, IRNA, Rouhani pointed to Iranian intentions to link the port of Chabahar, the Black Sea and Eastern Europe.
Rouhani said, "What matters to us is that everyone should be thinking of solidarity, unity and the interests of the area."
"There is no way but moderation. Extremism and violence, whatever its name and in any country, will only result in destruction and annihilation."
The president said moderation is the way that leads the region to constructive engagement, adding that it begins with respect for others.
"No one can be driven from one path to another by force and anger, slogan and violence. If anyone thinks his religion is better, he should show it in practice, not in words. We have to show in practice that our religion is the best and at the same time respect others."
Coinciding with Rouhani’s speech, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was holding a meeting with senior military commanders in Tehran.
He pointed to the enemies’ unrelenting hostility toward the Islamic Establishment and the Iranian nation, stressing the need for continuous enhancement of the capabilities of Iran’s Armed Forces.
The Armed Forces should consist of the best personnel in terms of practical and mental capabilities and resolve to be able to ensure the Iranian nation’s invulnerability to hostile measure, Khamenei added.
Khamenei has repeatedly stressed the need for strengthening the country’s military power and called on the Armed Forces to maintain a high level of preparedness.
