Raeisi stresses need for end to foreign interference in regional affairs

Speaking in a telephone conversation with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday night, Raeisi called for further promotion of Tehran-Doha bilateral ties, Press TV reported.

He said collective security constitutes a key part of his incoming government’s regional foreign policy doctrine, which can bring about peace and stability to regional states and tranquility and prosperity for nations.

Raeisi said the next Iranian government will attach paramount significance to neighboring countries in its economic diplomacy, describing the strong connection between political ties and economic interactions in Iran-Qatar relations as a good model for regional trade convergence.

Raeisi also emphasized that collective stability and security can be achieved once foreign interference in regional affairs comes to an end.

The Qatari emir congratulated Raeisi on winning the Iranian presidential election. He lauded Doha-Tehran relations as distinct and excellent and hoped for further promotion of ties between the two countries.

Sheikh Tamim also praised Iran's strong support during the rancorous Saudi-led embargo against his country, especially the effective role played by Raeisi as the chief of Iran’s Judiciary.

“We have overcome difficult conditions, and must now stand together and help each other out,” the Qatari monarch pointed out.

In early January, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt signed a declaration to ease a rift with Qatar, signaling the end of a three-and-a-half year embargo of the energy-rich Persian Gulf country.

In June 2017, the four countries accused Qatar, among other things, of supporting “terrorism” and having close ties to Iran, and severed economic and diplomatic ties. A blockade was also imposed by the four countries by land, air and sea.

Qatar repeatedly denied the claims and said there was no justification for severing relations.

Iraqi PM to visit Tehran

Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announced on Thursday evening that he will travel to Tehran shortly after the formation of the next Iranian government.

Kadhimi, along with Iraqi President Barham Salih, was among the first foreign officials to congratulate Raeisi on his victory in Iran’s presidential poll last week.

Raeisi won the June 18 presidential election by bagging some 62% of the votes.

Kadhimi said in a televised interview said he had an “excellent relationship” with Raeisi and was eager to further develop ties between the two neighbors.

“Our relationship with Iran’s president-elect is excellent,” Kadhimi said, adding that he exchanged views with Raeisi during his recent trip to Iraq on bilateral ties.

The Iraqi premier said he was eager to work to further boost Iraq-Iran relations.