Mideast region enters new phase of cooperation: Iranian FM
BEIRUT, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Friday hailed the recent political rapprochement among Middle Eastern countries, noting that the region has entered a new phase of cooperation.
"Recent political developments prove that this region has entered a new phase of cooperation; We believe that people and countries in this region are capable, through cooperation, of achieving development, stability, and security," Amir-Abdollahian said at a press conference held in Beirut, wrapping up his official visit to Lebanon.
The Iranian top diplomat noted that the new political developments arising from the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia are fast, and require new and different regional initiatives. As a result, Iran rejects the presence of foreign military bases in the region, he added.
The agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia will positively affect the two countries and the whole region, Amir-Abdollahian said.
He pointed out that the rapprochement among countries in the region is also reflected in the decision of Iran and Saudi Arabia to work in the coming few days on reopening their embassies in Riyadh and Tehran and the plan to organize mutual diplomatic visits between the two countries.
The Iranian foreign minister said Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has put openness and cooperation with brotherly and neighboring countries as his foreign policy priority.
Referring to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese group, Amir-Abdollahian said the decisions of the Islamic resistance led by Hezbollah in Lebanon are in line with the region's recent positive developments.
"The Islamic resistance aims to preserve security and stability in the region and destroy the dreams of Israel, which continues to adopt aggressive approaches," he said.
The Iranian official reiterated Iran's keenness to witness a consensus among the different Lebanese parties for the election of a new president while assuring that his country does not interfere with Lebanese internal affairs.
He added that Iran has repeatedly expressed its desire to support Lebanon in all fields, including the electricity sector.
Amir-Abdollahian arrived on Wednesday in Lebanon on an official visit and met with Lebanese officials, including Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, House Speaker Nabih Berri, and Hezbollah Leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah to discuss the latest regional developments and bilateral ties.
（Editor:Wang Su）
