WANA (Oct 01) – Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, who traveled to Armenia today (Tuesday) to attend the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit, stated that “The Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to offer special facilities to member countries of the Union for establishing commercial logistics centers in the hinterlands of its northern and southern ports.”

 

Mohammad Reza Aref, speaking at the Eurasian Economic Union’s Prime Ministers’ meeting, emphasized the growing necessity of economic cooperation among independent and developing nations, such as the Union’s members. He highlighted Iran’s readiness to take on a more active role, given its domestic capacities.

 

Aref noted that with the finalization of Iran’s observer membership request, political and economic ties between Iran and the Union’s member states will be further strengthened.

 

He also condemned the ongoing atrocities by the Israeli regime against innocent civilians in Lebanon and Gaza, calling for an urgent and serious response from the international community.

 

Full Speech of Aref at the Eurasian Economic Union Prime Ministers’ Meeting:

 

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

 

Mr. Nikol Pashinyan, Honorable Prime Minister of Armenia,

Honorable Prime Ministers of the Member States of the Eurasian Economic Union,

Observer Member Prime Ministers of the Eurasian Union,

 

Greetings to you all,

 

First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Pashinyan, the esteemed Prime Minister of Armenia, and the honorable people of this country for their warm and gracious hospitality. I am also pleased to be here and to address this meeting in the company of such distinguished individuals.

 

Excellencies,

 

It is with deep regret that I must say the world has witnessed some of the most heinous crimes over the past year committed by the Israeli regime against innocent people.

 

Words fail to describe the horrific atrocities of this regime in its indiscriminate and brutal killings of innocent and defenseless women, children, and civilians in Lebanon. As you hear these words, we cannot be sure how many homes in Lebanon have collapsed on innocent children and residents.

 

Unfortunately, we have seen the international community’s failure to establish a ceasefire and prevent the ongoing massacre in Gaza, which has only enabled the regime’s crimes to spread across the region.

 

The Israeli regime has proven it does not adhere to any international laws or regulations, nor does it have any regard for humanity or human rights. The continuation of this situation is unacceptable to the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the international community must urgently and decisively respond to these atrocities.

 

Distinguished Guests,

 

The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently demonstrated its commitment to being a reliable partner in the region, seeking to strengthen and expand political, and especially economic, relations at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

 

We firmly believe that sustainable economic development can only be achieved through deepening constructive cooperation among regional countries, and platforms such as the “Eurasian Economic Union” play a decisive role in facilitating such collaboration.

 

As the Eurasian Economic Union approaches its 10th anniversary, it stands as a significant initiative for utilizing shared regional capacities to promote sustainable economic development. With a combined GDP of $2.4 trillion, $800 billion in foreign trade, and a progressive tariff structure, the Union holds the potential to emerge as a powerful economic bloc on the global stage.

 

It’s important to note that the member states of the Eurasian Union collectively possess complementary economic elements necessary to establish diverse value chains, ranging from agriculture to mining and manufacturing industries.

 

The Islamic Republic of Iran, recognizing its domestic capacities—such as over $80 billion in potential trade with Union members, vast oil and gas resources, significant transit advantages, and considerable engineering expertise and skilled workforce—is ready to assume a more active role within the Union. Therefore, we hope the groundwork for Iran’s observer membership in the Eurasian Economic Union will be laid swiftly.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

In this context, I would like to specifically highlight the North-South International Corridor as one of the most important avenues of cooperation between Iran and the Union’s members.

 

This corridor can serve as a vital logistical link connecting Eurasia with rapidly growing markets like the Persian Gulf, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the participation of Union members in utilizing the current capacities of this corridor and is determined to enhance cooperation with members to develop its full potential.

 

We believe that Iran’s ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman can become one of the most significant trade hubs for the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) with other countries.

 

In this regard, I would like to highlight the 210 million-ton capacity of Iran’s southern ports, which are currently under development and expansion. The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to offer special facilities to EAEU member countries for establishing commercial logistics centers in the hinterlands of both northern and southern ports.

 

Excellencies,

 

The global economy has always been an arena for interaction, cooperation, and exchange between all actors and nations. However, the United States has been exploiting its dominance over global financial, trade, and economic mechanisms to advance its political and geopolitical interests.

 

Unfortunately, these international mechanisms, originally designed to facilitate and expand global trade and economic cooperation, have now become tools for imposing the unilateral will and demands of the U.S.

 

Since its founding, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been a victim of these discriminatory U.S. policies. Regrettably, we now witness the expansion of U.S. sanctions policies into the Eurasian region following recent developments, with this unjust weapon of sanctions being used against economic actors in various countries in the region.

 

The weaponization of the global economy has turned economic cooperation among independent and developing nations, such as the EAEU members, from a possibility into an unavoidable necessity.

 

Through close and equal cooperation among independent countries, we can hope to neutralize these policies. We believe the Eurasian Economic Union exemplifies such close and equal cooperation among independent states.

 

In this light, it seems imperative that the EAEU develops its tools across various sectors, such as financial and banking exchanges and logistical infrastructures. Additionally, the broad geographical expansion of the Union’s membership could play a vital role in strengthening its position and aligns with the Union’s long-term vision set for 2045.

 

Honorable Guests,

 

The first step taken by the Islamic Republic of Iran to strengthen cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) was effectively achieved through the signing of a free trade agreement last year. We anticipate that this will play a significant role in enhancing our trade relations with the member states of the Union.

 

The second step involves our request for observer membership in the Union, which we hope will be finalized in the current meeting, further strengthening the political and economic ties between Iran and the EAEU member countries.

 

As previously stated, we are prepared to play a more active and effective role in the initiatives under the Eurasian Economic Union and will utilize all our capacities to achieve this goal.

 

There are numerous areas of cooperation before us, ranging from developing collaborations in energy and electricity-related infrastructure to environmental and advanced technology sectors. I must mention that Iran places a special focus on developing a knowledge-based economy across various sectors.

 

Currently, over 9,600 knowledge-based companies are operating in our country in fields such as nanotechnology and biotechnology. These companies have achieved a prominent international position, particularly in modern technologies, and are capable of competing with leading countries around the world.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

The Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to developing relations with other countries based on mutual respect and benefit, regardless of the decisions and actions of hegemonic powers. We believe that the current era is one of emerging powers, and we emphasize the importance of enhancing the role of developing countries in the economy, trade, and international politics.

 

In conclusion, I hope that the Eurasian Economic Union, with the strong participation of all members and partners, will take steps toward achieving its objectives while focusing on common interests.

 

Thank you for your attention.