By Kazem Gharib Abadi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the kingdom of the Netherlands.
I would like to congratulate on the launch of the new English magazine, Diplomat Magazine, in The Hague, The capital of justice and peace, focusing on diplomacy and diplomatic events. I’m quite confident that this will emerge soon as an important tool in The Hague for dissemination of diplomatic issues.
Iran, as an ancient country, is well known for its civilization, virtual arts, history, language and literature, handicrafts, traditional food, architecture, music, cultural and ethnic diversity, deserts, mountains, international registered monuments like Persepolis and Bam and its cultural landscape and so on.
Furthermore, it should be mentioned that Iran is an Energy superpower and the Petroleum industry plays as an important part in the country. Iran has proven natural gas reserves in independent natural gas fields (33.6 trillion cubic meters) as the largest country in the world. Oil, gas and diverse mines and natural resources have made the country as a land of opportunities, huge capabilities and capacities.
Iran during the recent decades has successfully made tremendous achievements in various fields such as science, medicine, nanotechnology, stem cells, aerospace, satellites, education, health, industry, mining, agriculture and peaceful use of nuclear energy. In recent years, the number of young Iranian women who have been admitted to the universities has risen dramatically up to more than 60 percent of university entrants.
Islamic Republic of Iran as a pivotal player in the Middle East and Persian Gulf has great interest in peace, tranquillity, progress and security and wishes lasting, sustainable and prosperous future for all nations. Foreign policy of the country is mainly focused on mutual interests and respect, non-intervention in the internal and external affairs of the others, self – determination of people, peaceful settlement of international disputes, cooperation among states, rights to development, freedom of trade and business, friendly and peaceful co-existences with peace loving nations across the world. We believe that constructive and effective engagement among countries would pave the way for better and common understanding and achievements.
Iranians are a peace-loving nation, its rich culture and history is deeply rooted in wisdom, reason and interaction with other nations.
In political scene, Iran had its eleventh presidential election on 14 June 2013 that Dr. Hassan Rouhani had landslide victory. Dr. Rouhani as Iran’s newly elected president stressed that he will follow a “path of wisdom and hope, justice and enhancing mutual trust between Iran and other countries on the basis of mutual respect.” The real message of the president- elect to the international community is that we have common interests, joint goals to promote peace, security and tranquillity in the region and in the world.
I would also like to add very briefly about our relations with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Relations between two countries and nations date back to 400 years ago and have continued until today, through which two nations and countries have developed deeper understanding and promoted their national interests.
In conclusion, I wish best of luck for mankind and I also hope that all effective players try to contribute to a durable peace, and security. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act toward one another in spirit of mercy and brotherhood.
