Sustainable Peace Only Viable Through Cooperation

President Hassan Rouhani underlined Iran’s principled policy of strengthening good neighborliness, confidence-building and dialogue with neighboring states. 
He made the statement while addressing the 20th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of Shanghai Cooperation Organization that was held through videoconference on Tuesday, according to the full text of his speech published by President.ir. 
Rouhani stressed that Iran believes sustainable security is only viable through cooperation, participation and peace.
“Iran has always equated the security of the surrounding region with its own security and made efforts to preserve regional peace and stability,” he said, adding that the country will continue cooperation with partners as well as SCO to effectively counter terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking.
He pointed to the Iranian proposal of Hormuz Peace Endeavour (aka HOPE), involvement in the Astana Peace Process for Syria, support for peace and stability in Afghanistan and emphasis on increased multilateral cooperation among SCO member states as proof of Iran’s contribution to regional peace. 
Combating terrorism, extremism and separatism is a pivotal principle in cooperation among regional countries and SCO members, according to Rouhani. 
Highlighting Iran’s years of extensive experience in combating terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq, he expressed Iran’s determination to pursue this cause despite the cowardly assassination of the biggest commander of its anti-terrorism front, General Qasem Soleimani, on Jan. 3 by the United States. 
“In this regard, the resolution tabled by Iran, titled ‘World Against Violence and Extremism’ passed by UNGA [United Nations General Assembly] with 190 affirmative votes in December 2013, could serve SCO for further practical measures,” he said. 

Economic Cooperation 

The president emphasized the importance attached by Iran to the ever-increasing development of trade and economic ties with neighbors and friendly countries to boost regional economic growth.
“It is necessary to make maximum use of joint cooperation opportunities for the betterment of welfare and livelihoods of the residents of this region and also for regional sustainable development and poverty alleviation,” he told the gathering. 
Expansion of energy supply lines and development of communication routes in the region are of high importance, he added. 
“As one of the most important conduits of energy, a regional transit hub that possesses rich energy resources with access to two important waterways, and thanks to its geopolitical position, Iran can supply the needs of most regional countries, including SCO member states,” he said.
The president noted that the recent US presidential elections showed that the world is not alone in opposing the wrong policies of the incumbent US administration, but so are the American people. 
“The US presidential election’s result shows that a country constantly using threats, sanctions and sticks, and pursuing a bullying stance with other nations must be engaged in a deceptive foreign policy,” he said. 
The administration of US President Donald Trump favored unilateralism and pulled out of many international accords, including Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal. 
It also adopted the most hawkish policies against Tehran by imposing sweeping sanctions on the Iranian economy, which directly affected the lives of its citizens. 
Trump was booted out by his democratic rival Joe Biden on Saturday. 
“Now the field is clear for new US elected leaders to grasp the message of their people and translate this will for changing their foreign policies and their ties with other countries,” the president said. 
Rouhani noted that reembracing adherence to international laws and commitments, honoring other nations’ rights and compensating the losses inflicted on others are prerequisites for restoring the US credibility across the world.