Massoud Pezeshkian, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in his speech at the summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States leaders, referred to the necessity of strengthening regional cooperation and emphasized that regional security and stability are inseparable concepts. He considered Iran's presence as a special guest at this summit, hosted by Turkmenistan, as a valuable opportunity to strengthen existing ties and open a new chapter of cooperation with the member countries of this group.
The Necessity of Dialogue and Cooperation in the Current Conditions
Pezeshkian, referring to the interconnected crises of recent years in the world and the region, addressed the developments surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war and its impacts on security, trade, and the energy market. He stated that disruption in one part of the region can quickly lead to economic and social pressures in other areas. The President of Iran also referred to the recent military attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran and emphasized that these aggressions have not only harmed civilian infrastructure but have also impacted regional security and stability.
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Practical Proposals for Regional Cooperation
Pezeshkian emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always sought to establish lasting peace and stability through dialogue, stating: "Dialogue has meaning and the possibility of success when it is based on mutual respect." He also referred to the necessity of creating financial and barter mechanisms to facilitate exchanges among regional countries and said: "These mechanisms can enhance the continuity of economic cooperation against external disruptions and limitations."
The President of Iran addressed Turkmenistan's proposal to create a transport corridor between Central and Southern Asia and Europe via the Caspian Sea, stating that this proposal can be operationalized by utilizing Iran's capacities. He also stressed the importance of connecting regional capacities to each other, saying: "Our common interests lie not in competition among routes, but in connecting the routes."
In conclusion, Pezeshkian proposed the format of 'Commonwealth of Independent States + Iran' or 'CIS+1' as a flexible and effective mechanism for dialogue and cooperation. He emphasized the necessity of genuine multilateralism in the region and added that the countries of this region should be key players in shaping a multipolar world.
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