President Hassan Rouhani said after the conclusion of the historic accord between Iran and major powers over Tehran's nuclear program, the next priority of the government is to develop relations with neighboring countries.
Rouhani made the remark in a phone conversation with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani on Saturday, which was among a series of talks he held with some senior regional and international officials over the past few days, IRNA reported.
Expressing readiness to consult with allies in an effort to boost regional peace and stability, he said, "The welfare and development of regional countries depend on maintaining the security of the region," calling on all regional states to take steps to stop terrorist groups operating in the region.
Rouhani asked Qatar to step up its efforts to help alleviate tensions in the region and ensure regional stability. The Qatari emir welcomed Iran's nuclear deal and extended congratulations on Eid al-Fitr, saying the Persian Gulf Arab state insists on "dialogue" and "peaceful solutions" to regional crises.
Eid al-Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
Efficient Diplomacy
In a phone conversation with Sultan Qaboos of Oman on Friday, Rouhani said the nuclear agreement proved the efficiency of diplomacy, noting that the settlement paves the way for enhanced regional and international cooperation.
Sultan Qaboos congratulated the president on the deal and the Eid, expressing hope that regional crises could be resolved with Iran's assistance.
He called for political solutions to help end regional wars. In a conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday, Rouhani appealed for increased collaboration with Ankara with a view to reaching a "win-win solution" to regional problems.
"It is necessary to enhance bilateral relations to (help) root out terrorism as an issue that can disrupt the stability of (regional) countries."
Erdogan expressed Ankara's readiness to collaborate with Iran on regional issues through enhanced interaction between the relevant departments of the two countries. Rouhani noted in a phone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart that Tehran welcomes expansion of wide-ranging ties with Islamabad more than before.
"The nuclear deal will be in the interest of neighboring and regional countries and will help improve economic ties."
Pointing to the enormous potential for expansion of economic relations with the southeastern neighbor, Rouhani called for measures to increase trade volume with Pakistan to more than $5 billion a year.
The Pakistani president urged greater economic ties with Tehran, saying the nuclear deal has provided an opportunity for Tehran to accelerate its economic activities.
Mamnoon Hussain also underlined the need to employ political solutions to overcome regional problems.
New Chapter
President Rouhani called his Austrian counterpart Heinz Fischer on the phone last Wednesday, calling the nuclear accord a "win-win agreement" for all negotiating parties. Describing bilateral relations as "good" and "friendly", Rouhani said the nuclear accord with the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) will set the stage for expansion of relations with Austria.
He thanked Austria for the role it played in helping clinch the deal since the start of negotiations and said Iran welcomes Fischer's trip to Tehran with a view to ushering in a new chapter in mutual ties.
The European leader said the deal will undoubtedly have a "positive" impact on bilateral relations.
Hailing efforts by Iranian negotiators in the course of talks with world powers, Fischer said the deal proved that the most challenging issues in the international arena can be solved by peaceful means.
In a phone call with British Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday, Rouhani said, "The commitment of the negotiating parties to their pledges is the most significant factor in the process of talks."
He called for the restoration of relations with the UK and collaboration with the European country to help curb terrorism. Cameron congratulated the president over the success of the Islamic Republic in the nuclear arena and praised his "constructive" role in the nuclear talks.
He underscored the necessity of combating terrorism as a threat to the world.
