WANA (Oct 03) – Pezeshkian stated “Given the sensitivity and challenges facing West Asia, and the repeated assaults by the Zionist regime against resistance groups, let it be clear that those violating human rights and committing crimes should know that resistance is a fruitful tree that cannot be uprooted.”

 

Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s President, addressed the Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in West Asia, particularly the continuous Israeli attacks on resistance groups.

 

He asserted, “The Zionist regime will soon be held accountable for its actions. We firmly support the Islamic resistance groups in their fight for the liberation of Palestine, which we see as our duty. We stand strong in this cause.”

 

Pezeshkian has proposed forming a special committee within the Asian Cooperation Forum to address urgent issues concerning war casualties. The committee would facilitate the immediate delivery of humanitarian supplies and medical assistance to affected regions and report human rights violations to international authorities and the United Nations.

 

He also highlighted Iran’s focus on Asia, noting its growing global significance. “Asia hosts major economic projects, innovation hubs, and vital trade routes,” he said, highlighting its key consumer markets and resources.

 

He praised multilateral cooperation in the region, calling the Asia Cooperation Dialogue a model for collective benefit. Pezeshkian also stressed the cultural ties between nations, saying, “By building on shared values, we can further strengthen our relations.”

Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit, Qatar, October 03, 2024, President.ir/ WANA News Agency

The full text of  Iran’s President’s speech is as follows:

 

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

Mr. Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,

The esteemed Emir of the State of Qatar;

The honorable Secretary-General of the Forum;

Your Excellencies;

 

Firstly, I would like to thank the government and the brotherly nation of Qatar for their warm hospitality and for holding this important meeting aimed at deepening convergence and effective dialogue within the framework of Asian cooperation.

 

I congratulate the new Secretary-General, Mr. Al-Mutairi, and wish him and his colleagues at the Forum’s secretariat success. I also express my sincere gratitude for the valuable services of the former Secretary-General. I hope that the successful holding of this meeting will mark another effective step toward further cohesion of the ancient continent of Asia and the establishment of a cohesive and convergent network of constructive cooperation to achieve a “dynamic Asian community.”

 

Given the sensitive and critical conditions of the region, before entering into the discussions of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue, I find it necessary to draw the esteemed audience’s attention to the continuous crimes and genocide of the Zionist regime over the past 12 months, which have left humanity in shock and bewilderment. The catastrophe in Gaza and the massacre of numerous innocent individuals are merely part of the dark pages of our contemporary history that depict barbarity in a new form. The lands of Palestine and Lebanon are subjected to the naked violence of a regime that recognizes no adherence to or consideration for any human rights principles or international norms.

 

The recent attacks by this regime on residential and civilian areas in Lebanon and the martyrdom of Mr. Seyed Hassan Nasrallah and his companions constitute an assault on territorial integrity, a violation of the sovereignty and national security of Lebanon, a breach of all humanitarian, moral, and international law principles, and a pinnacle manifestation of the savagery of this apartheid regime; a regime founded on terror, warmongering, and genocide.

 

Silence in the face of the Zionists’ warmongering in Gaza and Lebanon encourages and emboldens this rogue regime to continue its aggressive actions. We have always warned about the sinister intentions of this regime to expand the war to the entire region. The recent missile attack on the occupied territories was a response to the violation of Iran’s sovereignty and in accordance with the explicit laws stated in the United Nations Charter regarding the right to legitimate self-defense.

 

When the Zionist regime, disregarding international norms and lacking any decorum, targets our official guest in Tehran with military actions and assassination, it must bear the consequences. Any military aggression, terrorist attacks, or crossing of Iran’s red lines will be met with a decisive response from our armed forces. I must emphasize that the Islamic Republic of Iran does not seek to escalate tensions or to spread the fires of war to other regions; it is the Zionist regime that pursues its sinister goals by involving other countries.

 

Palestine and Lebanon are important parts of the Asian community, and in a situation where we witness the incapacity or indifference of the international community to respond urgently and effectively to the crises in Gaza and Lebanon, all countries concerned with “security and peace,” especially Asian countries, must take action to contain this crisis and halt the war.

 

The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the establishment of a complete ceasefire and the full withdrawal of occupiers, and subsequently, in the long term, the complete end of the occupation of Palestinian lands over seven decades. It proposes the formation of a “special committee within the Asian Cooperation Forum” with selected member participation to create an effective initiative for the urgent response to the situation of war casualties, immediate delivery of humanitarian supplies and medical assistance to besieged or war-affected territories, and for the committee to report instances of human rights violations and ignored standards by the Zionist regime to relevant international authorities and the United Nations.

 

I further propose that an emergency summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation be convened, with the participation of other concerned countries, to specially address the issue of Palestine.

 

Dear colleagues;

 

We all belong to a geographic area endowed with a rich “cultural, historical, and civilizational heritage” known as Asia. From the east to the west of this geographical expanse, it is filled with tangible visual artifacts and miraculous spiritual manifestations that lay the foundation for the development of ethical components and the deepening of human dignity; Asia has been the cradle of great divine religions and has introduced many great figures in the field of science and knowledge, whose names shine brightly in the annals of history like brilliant stars. It would not be an exaggeration to call this ancient continent the “cradle of human civilization” and a guiding force for humanity throughout history.

 

A new arrangement of balance, focused on regionalism and the formation of new coalitions to move beyond unilateralism and transition historically to a new international order under the concept of “multipolar global governance,” is taking shape and stabilizing; we believe that Asian actors can introduce and represent a new model of constructive relations in the arena of modern international relations based on “justice and multilateralism.” Many of our collective interests hinge on unity and the establishment of a broad network of constructive and interconnected cooperation.

 

One of the most suitable solutions for increasing regional interactions that not only strengthens governmental relations but also enhances people-to-people connections is the use of sports diplomacy, which has been wisely chosen as the main topic of this meeting. The existence of extensive sports infrastructure alongside the enthusiasm and capabilities of our youth to achieve sporting successes, as well as the successful hosting of the Olympic Games or the World Cup, is an important part of the image of the new Asia that is growing in prestige every day.

 

Asia is the birthplace of many ancient sports that, unfortunately, have received little attention or focus. Sports that represent our history, culture, and civilization. In this regard, it is essential that all member countries make a significant effort to revive their historical, cultural, and civilizational manifestations.

 

Dear attendees;

 

The focus on Asia has always been a priority for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Today, Asia holds a high position in the global trade network. The largest economic projects in the world, financial centers, innovation, technology, and commercial hubs, the most populous consumer markets in the world, the richest natural and energy resources, and the most important rail and maritime corridors from the Far East to the Persian Gulf are located on this continent, and every day its scope is expanding.

 

Asia has also played the least role in major global challenges such as climate change; however, it has always faced global issues with a responsible outlook and has participated and interacted maximally in addressing these challenges. Many effective multilateral collaborations aimed at deepening partnership-based cooperation in this region have borne fruit. The Asia Cooperation Dialogue is also a successful example of the development of organized cooperation to achieve collective benefits.

 

Fortunately, the “2030-2021 Cooperation Document” has created the groundwork for moving from mere dialogue to “dialogue for partnership and cooperation” in areas of interest to the members of the dialogue forum. At the recent meeting of foreign ministers of the member countries in Tehran, good agreements were reached in this regard, which are reflected in the “Tehran Statement.” This statement, along with the “Doha Statement,” which will be approved today, provides a solid guideline for directing some areas of cooperation.

 

During its presidency, the Islamic Republic of Iran, by choosing the theme of “A more connected and empowered Asia through new and emerging technologies,” aimed to create a new space for dialogue on how to utilize the benefits derived from new and emerging technologies in collaboration with member countries and achieve sustainable patterns. In this regard, we are ready to share our achievements in the fields of “biotechnology, nanotechnology, and knowledge-based industries” with the member countries of the forum.

 

The Islamic Republic of Iran is also hosting the “Cultural Coordination Center of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue” in Tehran, and it is soon scheduled to host the meeting of tourism ministers of the forum. Given the rich historical attractions of Asian countries, broad cultural commonalities, and the unique role of tourism in facilitating people-to-people connections and deepening integration, we are ready, in collaboration with other member countries, to establish new mechanisms for developing cultural cooperation and creating a foundation for constructive relations in this area.

 

Mr. President;

 

In conclusion, given the sensitivity of regional developments and the rising level of tension in West Asia due to the continuous attacks by the Zionist regime on Islamic resistance groups, I must point out that violators of humanity and criminal offenders must understand that resistance is a sturdy tree rooted in the living discourse of justice-seeking. Oppression against the innocent will never go unanswered, and the hand of justice will soon grasp the aggressors and child-killers. We consider supporting the resistance groups as our humanitarian duty until the liberation of dear Palestine, and we stand firm with all our strength in support of the sacred cause of Quds.

 

Thank you all for your attention.