Neighbors Take Priority in Incoming Administration’s Foreign Policy

Iranian president-elect Ebrahim Raeisi said on Saturday that cooperation and dialogue with neighboring countries will be on top of his administration’s diplomatic agenda. 
“Interaction, dialogue and consultation with neighbors on key regional issues will be a priority of the thirteenth government,” he said in a phone conversation with the Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik, ISNA reported. 
Conservative Raeisi was elected as the 8th president of Iran on June 18 to replace moderate incumbent President Hassan Rouhani who has served in this position for two terms. 
He is set to be sworn in on August 5, but has already initiated contacts with foreign leaders.    
In his conversation with Tarik, he described Oman as a reliable neighbor and a valuable partner for Iran, adding that expansion of ties in various sectors, such as political, economic and cultural areas, is readily attainable given the level of trust between the two nations. 
“The history of brotherly and friendly relations between the two nations and governments is so deeply rooted that have never been weakened by regional and international developments,” he said. 
Raeisi said although Tehran-Muscat relations have been developing, it is still way below the expected level.
“It is essential that a comprehensive plan for the expansion of economic ties be devised by experts from both sides and be implemented with the approval of the two countries’ authorities at the first opportunity,” he said.       
Tarik expressed certainty that Iran-Oman’s friendly and constructive relations will remain strong and will positively affect all developments in the region. 
“Mutual political trust is a main reason behind Tehran and Muscat’s closeness and we will pursue further strengthening of ties so as to guarantee the interests of the entire region,” he said.

Earlier Contacts 

Earlier on Tuesday, the president-elect had held a telephone conversation with Turkmenistan’s President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, where he highlighted the great capacities of the two countries for enhanced mutual relations. 
“I emphasize that operational talks should start as soon as possible to accelerate the development of relations,” he said. 
He also stressed the need for bilateral cooperation on international issues, including developments in Afghanistan which affect both states. 
Berdimuhamedow applauded Tehran-Ashgabat’s deep-rooted ties which he said have been developed based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and common interests.
He also invited Raeisi to take part in the Sixth Caspian Summit and the 15th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Turkmenistan.
Raeisi also made contact with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan over the course of last week to discuss various issues of mutual concern. 
He especially expressed concern about the ongoing situation in the neighboring Afghanistan, saying the security of this country is important and should be established by Afghans themselves.
Fighting has raged between the Taliban and Afghan forces across several provinces of Afghanistan as foreign troops prepare to leave this country after two decades.
Both Iran and Pakistan are directly affected by security crises in Afghanistan with which they share long borders.
Imran Khan said diplomacy was the best way to solve issues in Afghanistan but added it will not be easy under the current circumstances.