Call for Economic Diplomacy to Counter Sanctions

President Hassan Rouhani has called for special plans to develop international economic relations in the face of severe American sanctions. 
Speaking at a meeting of the government’s Economic Coordination Taskforce on Tuesday, Rouhani stressed that all countries’ economic development is largely linked with their economic diplomacy. 
“At this point, we need to improve our relations with nations of top priority such as China, Eurasian and neighboring countries in various sectors from energy to technology,” he was quoted as saying by President.ir.  
The United States has imposed tough sanctions on Iran since it withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal two years ago. 
It now claims to have triggered the return of all international sanctions against Tehran and is intensifying its pressure on this ground, despite opposition by other members of the global community. 
Iran has been directing the focus of its economic relations from the West to the East and the Middle East region.   
According to Rouhani, the government is seeking to speed up the implementation of economic agreements signed with regional countries. 
“In this regard, the activation of joint economic commissions with target countries is essential,” he said.
The president underlined the need to take account of export-oriented policies while making plans for trade with the East and neighbors.
He said improving cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union would be a major step in boosting the country’s trade ties. 
“Besides the ability to supply the import needs of several of these countries, Iran can be a suitable route for the transit of the member states’ goods, thanks to its appropriate location,” he added.
An economic union of states located in Eastern Europe, Central Asia and West Asia, EEU was established in early 2015. Current member states include Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.
Rouhani also urged the relevant officials to seriously follow their agenda of regaining access to Iran’s frozen assets in foreign countries. 
“Although America’s sanctions have created difficult conditions for trade exchanges, the use of such resources is increasing and the allocation of these funds to ensure the supply of essential goods and manufacturing requirements will continue because of the efforts made so far,” he said.     
Iran has assets frozen around the world, including in Iraq and South Korea. 
The financial resources in Iraqi banks have been earned from the export of electricity and gas. Following recent negotiations, Iraqi officials have agreed to release those assets for the purchase of basic commodities.
Iran's assets at Korean bank accounts, which are known to be worth $7 billion, have been frozen since September last year when Washington's sanctions waiver for South Korea's imports of Iranian oil expired.