SAEDNEWS: Pezeshkian Says Iran Ready to Resolve Differences With Neighbors Through Dialogue
According to Saednews, President Masoud Pezeshkian called for stronger cooperation between Iran and Iraq’s Kurdistan Region during a meeting with Bafel Talabani, head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), in Tehran on Wednesday.
Pezeshkian said relations between Iran and the Kurdistan Region are rooted in geographical proximity as well as shared historical, ethnic and cultural ties.
The Iranian president called for greater regional cooperation, noting that countries in the region share deep and longstanding connections. He said these common bonds should be used to promote cooperation, stability and development.
Pezeshkian also said external efforts to create divisions and conflict in the region should be addressed through greater cooperation and dialogue. He said Iran was prepared to resolve issues with neighboring parties through mutual understanding and respect, while expecting all sides to uphold good-neighborly principles and avoid excessive demands and improper conduct.
Iranians consider Muslims brothers and believe regional issues can be resolved through cooperation, dialogue, fairness and justice, Pezeshkian said. He added that mutual respect could help build a region characterized by peace, development, progress and solidarity.
The president further called for increased travel, interaction and exchanges between Iran and the Kurdistan Region. He highlighted opportunities for cooperation in investment, science and academia, politics, the economy and culture.
Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of closer ties between border provinces, saying that trade, economic exchanges and other forms of cooperation could contribute to development in border areas. He also referred to his administration’s approach of using the capabilities of different ethnic and religious communities based on merit and ability.
Talabani, for his part, described Iran as a key friend and partner of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region and said his party supports expanding bilateral cooperation between Iran and the Kurdistan Region.
Addressing border security, Talabani said his side was making every effort to protect Iran’s security along the Kurdistan Region’s borders. He also referred to the security agreement between Iran and Iraq, saying efforts would continue under the agreement to move anti-Iran groups away from areas along Iran’s borders and strengthen security and stability.
Talabani added that he had brought an economic team to Iran to help address existing needs and expand trade and economic cooperation between the two sides.
