Pezeshkian stated that the region needs resilience against war, crisis, external pressure, and disruptions in economic routes more than ever. He stressed that shared interests lie in connecting pathways, not competing over them.
Emphasizing Iran's strategic role, the president stated: "For Central Asia, the Islamic Republic of Iran is not merely a partner; it is a natural route connecting Central Asia and Eurasia to open waters. Iran's southern ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, especially Chabahar, can connect this region to South Asia, Africa, and Europe."
Pezeshkian highlighted that the North-South and East-West corridors are parts of a single regional network, not rivals. He also called for a unified energy network and regional financial settlement mechanisms to facilitate trade and shield economies from external disruptions.
Referring to recent regional crises, he noted: "Iran was twice the target of military attacks by the U.S. and Israel over the past year. These overt and illegal aggressions harmed not only my country's people and infrastructure but also affected many in the region and the world." He stressed that regional security is an indivisible concept, and dialogue must be based on mutual respect, not coercion.
To institutionalize cooperation, Pezeshkian proposed the creation of a "CIS+1" format as a flexible and effective mechanism for dialogue and collaboration in transit, energy, trade, mining, investment, technology, water, and the environment.
Concluding his speech, the president stated: "Today, we are not faced with a choice between isolation or dependence; we must connect our capacities. We want connection instead of fragmentation, cooperation instead of exhausting competition, and trust-based security instead of threat-based security."
M.Majdi - H.Hakimzadeh
