WANA (Feb 14) – Speaking at the International Conference on Investment and Financing Opportunities in Rail and Road Corridors today, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian underscored the importance of regional peace and connectivity, stressing that no country benefits from war or violence.
“Violence, conflict, and bloodshed lead nowhere,” Pezeshkian said. “The efforts of regional leaders to ensure security in the area are commendable.”
At the conference, he outlined Iran’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure projects across the country. “In the Islamic Republic, we are determined to implement vital road and transportation projects with speed, precision, and high quality. We will do everything necessary to secure the funding required to complete these projects,” he stated.
The president emphasized efforts to remove legal and regulatory obstacles that hinder ongoing transportation and corridor projects. “We aim to eliminate all cumbersome legal barriers that impede the progress of road and corridor projects currently underway,” he said.
Pezeshkian highlighted the importance of regional collaboration: “We view neighboring countries as friends and partners. The routes that connect us are pathways to development and peace. By opening these corridors, we ensure collective security, foster economic growth, and build a region marked by peace, stability, and friendship.”
He further elaborated on Iran’s historical and cultural ties: “We are friends and brothers with Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Kurdistan. We share thousands of years of cooperation and friendship with Turkey, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. We will revitalize these connections because we believe that our shared routes are pathways to peace, scientific advancement, and collective capability. By opening roads, we can guarantee security and economic growth.”
The president stressed that expanding transportation networks will guarantee progress for all regional countries. “Developing connectivity lays the foundation for peace, stability, and security for our nation and future generations. No country prospers from war, and no nation achieves anything through conflict and bloodshed,” he said.
Pezeshkian also commended regional leaders for their contributions to security and peace. “The initiatives of the presidents of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Pakistan, and others deserve appreciation. We are all working to resolve regional challenges peacefully and independently,” he added.
On relations with Russia, the president noted, “The region does not need a single overseer. Our ties with our brother and friend, Russia, are deep and extensive. The cooperation agreements signed today demonstrate that our initiatives have moved beyond planning into implementation, and any obstacles along the way will be swiftly removed.”
Pezeshkian highlighted ongoing infrastructure plans: “The Ministry of Roads and Urban Development is working to acquire land for the Rasht-Astara railway project by the end of this year. We are also pursuing the expansion and completion of other rail and road projects across the country.”
Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s commitment to mutually beneficial investments, stating, “We focus on a win-win approach in investments. Investors, partner countries, and those who use these corridors should all benefit. This is achieved when everyone gains from an agreement, no one’s rights are violated, and the territorial integrity and decision-making authority of any country are fully respected, allowing us to advance projects collaboratively.”
The president added, “Today, I feel a sense of brotherhood with all neighboring countries that goes beyond diplomatic relations. We share genuine closeness, and together we will build a region defined by equality, peace, brotherhood, and friendship.”