Friendship with Iran endures
High society: Takht-e Jamshid in Persepolis, the Milad Tower in Tehran and Sheikh Lutfollah Mosque in Isfahan. — Photo courtesy Iranian Embassy
(VNS) Before Iran’s national day falls on February 11, Viet Nam News presents the thoughts of Hossein Alvandi Behineh, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Islamic Revolution of Iran under the leadership of Imam Khomeini (PBUH), with its aim of achieving independence, freedom and religious democracy based on the religious and cultural values of society, bore fruit on February 11, 1979.
In the past 34 years, the Islamic Revolution has gained many spiritual and material achievements and has made strides in materialisation of goals through religious democracy.
On average, every two years one important election is held. Presidential and city-council’s elections will take place this year. Nowadays, the Iranian people’s struggle to realise the goals of the revolution in domestic and international arenas continues positively under the leadership of Ayatollah Khamenei.
Iran, which means Land of Aryans and also goes by the name Persia, has had a considerable role in civilisation, culture and science. Currently, Iran shares borders with 15 countries and in the past it accounted for a significant part of the Silk Road.
It is in the Middle East and west of Asia. Iran, with 33 trillion cubic meters of gas reserves (accounting for 18 per cent of the world’s total) and 155 billion barrels of oil reserves, holds the second largest oil and gas reserves in the world. Iran’s role in maintenance of peace and stability in the region and world and supplying the energy needs of the international economy is unique and decisive. Iran is a founding member of UN, OIC, OPEC, and ECO and currently is holding the rotating presidency of NAM.
Iran calls for a world based on peace, equality and justice in international arena to ensure human dignity. Iran’s foreign policy is built on principals of independence, non-alignment, non-interference in internal affairs of other countries, mutual respect, friendly relations with all countries and peaceful settlement of internal disputes and conflicts without foreign interference.
The year 2013 is the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Iran and Viet Nam. Both countries enjoy brilliant culture and a history of fighting for independence.
The traditional and friendly relations of the two countries have been expanded during 40 years, however, development of bilateral relations have lagged behind their potential.
As the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Viet Nam, I will exert my best efforts to develop bilateral relations. To this end, the visits of the leaders and high ranking officials of the two countries are of paramount importance. Fortunately, during the past months, we witnessed the 7th joint commission meeting in Tehran. Also, the honourable foreign minister of Viet Nam participated in the summit of the non-aligned movement in Tehran. His Excellency’s presence played a notable role in the success of this very significant and influential summit.
Mutual interests
In the past few months, the honourable President of the I.R. of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadenejad, paid a state visit to Viet Nam and further developed relations based on mutual interests. The huge capacity for progress was emphasised in the meetings between leaders of the two countries.
Recently, the honourable Mayor of Tehran visited Ha Noi at the invitation of his counterpart, and a Sister City MOU was signed as a mark of friendship between the two countries peoples.
Under the instructions of the Presidents of the two countries, a magnificent celebration of the 40th anniversary will be celebrated. We plan to dispatch a traditional music group and to hold a cultural week and film festival during the upcoming months with support and co-ordination from the honourable relevant officials of Viet Nam.
In addition, at the behest of the respective leaders, the facilitation of tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the nations is under consideration by the relevant authorities. We believe that expansion in these areas will lead to better mutual understanding and long-term development of social, economic and cultural relations between the two nations. Granting scholarships, especially in Persian and Vietnamese language studies and strengthening scientific relations is under way will increase with the approval of the leaders.
The Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great importance to the expansion of bilateral relations and exchange of high ranking delegations between the two countries. Iran appreciates the political, economic and social developments of Viet Nam during recent years and extends cordial congratulations to its people and Government.
At the end, while celebrating the Lunar New Year, I wish prosperity, success, happiness and good health for the government and people of our friend, Viet Nam.
Long live the friendship between Iran and Viet Nam! — VNS