Iran Foreign Ministry to Help Private Firms’ Global Presence

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's top diplomat, who is nominated for another four-year term in office, vowed to make economy the watchword of the diplomatic apparatus and work to facilitate the entry of private companies into global markets.

Zarif made the statement in an address during a confirmation hearing at the parliament on Wednesday, ISNA reported.

"We will work to achieve Resistance Economy goals and do our best to improve people's livelihood," he said, adding that an economic department has been established in the ministry to help promote the economic concept for making the country invulnerable to economic wars.

"To reach the goals, it's crucial to prepare the ground for the effective role of economic actors, particularly the private sector, in the global chain, strengthen relations with emerging powers and neighbors and European countries, and pay attention to the potentials of new markets," he said.

Zarif said Iran's neighbors are naturally its best economic partners and the idea takes on more significance if one considers the fact that forging trade in the chaotic region can greatly help ease tensions.  

"I will try to lend effective support to Iranian entrepreneurs trying to break into regional markets," he said.

***Regional Forums on Agenda

The top diplomat said in case he takes over the ministerial portfolio, the Foreign Ministry would put implementation of trust-building measures in the region, particularly a Persian Gulf anti-terror alliance, on top of its agenda.

"Building trust with neighbors is an undeniable necessity. Trying to form regional entities, particularly a forum involving Persian Gulf nations for fighting terrorism, is a top priority," he said.

In his first term, Zarif went to great lengths to heal fissures in the region deeply embroiled in conflicts, particularly the widening rift with Saudi Arabia, which started behaving aggressively toward Iran after King Salman ascended the throne in early 2015.  

But Zarif's overtures have so far fallen on deaf ears in Riyadh, which accuses Iran of subverting security in the region and aspiring to dominate it.  

"Iran, as a powerful regional state, is aware of its responsibility. It seeks a secure, powerful, advanced and stable region, and believes strengthening regional bonds is the basis for peace," he said.

President Hassan Rouhani unveiled his proposed second-term Cabinet on August 8.

The nominees are to be confirmed by the parliament, which began to hold such sessions on Tuesday.

Before the nominees appeared before the parliament, Rouhani took the floor on Tuesday to speak in support of his choices.