On the picture H.E . Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Iran to the Netherlands.
On the occasion of the 38th Anniversary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Ambassador Alireza Jahangiri delivered a statement on 10 February 2017 during a commemorative event organised by his embassy.
Statement by H.E. Dr. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
‘It is indeed my honor to welcome all distinguished guests who are present here today, on the occasion of the 38th anniversary of the victory of the glorious Islamic Revolution of Iran, which is our national day.
At the outset, for the sad demise of Ayatullah Hashemi Rafsanjani, the late former president and head of the expediency council of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the recent mishap of a building collapsing in Tehran which resulted in the death of a group of my compatriots, specially, several brave firefighters, may I announce one minute silence?
Following the shocking 2016 elections and referendums, the year 2017 is the year of landmark elections here and there. In May 2017, we have presidential election in Iran. Dr. Rouhani’s government has tried over the last three and half years to improve sustained cooperation with international community, in order to eliminate past misunderstandings. Signing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and 5+1 and the will to implement it fully, is a good evidence for this approach which resulted in abolishment of the six UN Security Council sanction resolutions.
JCPOA as the miracle of interaction dialogue and diplomacy has resulted in removing the attempts for securitization of Iran in international community, as well as enhancing the comprehensive and balanced relations between Iran and other countries around the globe and engaging Iran, as the trusted and influential major player in the region, in international negotiations for solving the regional and international crisis..
Having recognized the flourishing capacity of Iran’s trade and economic prosperity the international community has been instrumental in taking a comprehensive approach to strengthening economic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In this trend, I would like to point out that the historical relations between Iran and The Netherlands has entered into a new phase during last three years. Several high ranking delegations have been exchanged between two countries in 2016, including the visit of Foreign Minister Zarif, Vice-President and head of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization and Minister of Agriculture to the Nehterlands, and the visit of Minister of Economic Affairs, and Minister of Infrastructure and Environment to Tehran, who were accompanied by hundreds companies which have had good results for both countries.
Launching online appointment scheduling and e-visas at our consulate have been a resounding success for ease-of-travel to Iran and are being further liberalized. New direct flight connections by KLM, in addition to Iran Air, have enhanced connectivity, and thus, tourism is booming.
The Netherlands was Iran’s fourth largest trading partner in the European Union in 2016. However, we should do more in 2017 in order to enhance our existing good relations even further and to cooperate in combating global challenges which threaten all of us including extremism, terrorism and, Takfiri mentality.
Islamic Republic of Iran, as the most affected country from terrorist activities, and as a pioneer for combatting terrorism is ready to cooperate with international community in this regard.
During the year 2016, we have tried to play our significant role in international organizations that their headquarters are here in The Hague, especially the OPCW. I hereby thank the presence of all members of International Organizations, including Ambassador Ahmet Uzumju, the Director General of the OPCW.’
After delivering his remarkable speech, Ambassador Jahangiri thanked his guests and invited all to enjoy a great selection of Persian dishes.
