Qatari Emir Urges Implementation of Important Bilateral Agreements with Iran

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed satisfaction about the signing of “very important” memorandums of understanding with Iran, saying their implementation must be seriously pursued. 
He made the remarks in a joint press conference after a meeting with President Ebrahim Raisi in Doha on Monday during which they signed several cooperation agreements, President.ir reported. 
At the meeting, the two leaders also agreed to use exiting capacities to strengthen bilateral ties in various sectors.  
Raisi said given the contiguity and neighborhood of the two countries and their shared economic interests, the two sides decided to increase and diversify areas of cooperation and take new steps toward the development of mutual relations. 
He added that Iran’s unique features in terms of geography, environment, transit, economy, science and young and educated workforce provide assurance for any bilateral or multilateral cooperation to result in economic growth and regional security. 
“Iran is seeking transformation and growth in regional relations and this trip will mark a new chapter in Tehran-Doha ties,” he said. 
The visit is also a step in transforming relations with all neighboring countries, especially Persian Gulf states, according to Raisi. 
He said the level of cooperation among regional countries is not proportional to the great available opportunities and Iran is seeking to expand such relations within the framework of the policy of neighborliness.    

“Iran has proven that it always stands by the interests of independent nations. In times of hardship, we have proven our friendliness to all regional countries,” he said. 
“I extend a hand of friendship to all regional countries, particularly neighbors, for maximum interaction toward the mutual interests of nations.”  
The region has entered a new era where regional nations are regaining control after decades of aggression and occupation by dominating powers, Raisi said. 
This victory has been achieved through no means but the nations’ resistance, he added. 
Recent developments taught important lessons that invasion is doomed to fail, resistance works, and none of the issues in the region has a military solution, according the president.
“Countries of the region must find and implement solutions to crises in an inter-regional manner through increased dialogue and consultations.” 

Two Battlefields 

The two top officials also discussed regional issues such as terrorism, the situation in Afghanistan and Yemen and drug smuggling. 
They agreed that combating terrorism and its different forms is a priority of both countries. 
“Iran’s capabilities acquired in its successful fight against terrorism in Syria and Iraq are considered a security-building power not only for the region, but for the world,” Raisi said.
He said Iran has been victorious is two battlefields, both against terrorism and the maximum pressure campaign imposed by the United States after its unilateral exit from the 2015 nuclear deal. 
Washington quit the deal and reimposed sanctions in hope of winning more concessions out of Iran, but was convinced to rejoin the deal after Iran resisted the pressure and remained within the accord, despite legally rolling back on its commitments as a countermeasure.  
Negotiations are now underway in the Austrian capital Vienna to work out how both sides can resume compliance. 
The talks have now reached a phase where important political decisions must be made. 
Raisi said the US must show its determination to remove its major sanctions. 
“To reach a deal, ensuring the rights of the Iranian nation, especially sanctions lifting, credible guarantees [of non-repetition] and closing the cases of political claims are essential,” he said. 
Referring to Afghanistan, the president said its neighbors and other regional states must help the establishment of an inclusive government in this country, otherwise insecurity will return to this war-torn land.
Stopping the blockade in Yemen is also a humanitarian necessity, he said, adding that the only way out of this crisis is putting an end to aggression and launching Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue.
The two also exchanged views about the issue of Palestine as the main problem of the region and stressed the need to end to Israeli aggressions against this nation and find a solution based on international resolutions. 
“We emphasized the right of Palestinians to determine their fate and have a peaceful and decent life,” Sheikh Tamim said.  
Raisi arrived in Doha on Monday morning at the invitation of the Qatari emir for a bilateral meeting as well as participation in the 6th summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum during a two-day stay.  
Following the meeting, high-ranking delegations from the two countries held discussions in a meeting led by the two leaders. 
Raisi is expected to deliver a speech at the summit on Tuesday and meet a number of leaders and top officials from the participating countries on the sidelines of the event. 
Upon departure the president said his trip is aimed at vitalizing relations with Persian Gulf countries and using their capacities to develop political, economic and energy cooperation, particularly with Qatar with whom Iran has shared gas fields. 
Highlighting Iran’s position among the top three producers and exporters of natural gas along with Russia and Qatar, he said meetings with members of the GECF could help boost multilateral cooperation in this sector.