Tehran, SAEDNEWS: Neighborhood policy has become an undeniable regional necessity, General Rahim Safavi said, addressing the First National Conference of Iran and its Neighbors in Tehran on Monday.
He went on to say that achieving lasting peace, security, progress, and prosperity are the basic goals of the neighborhood policy.
Iran's regional policy in West Asia, East-oriented policy, and developing comprehensive relations with China and Russia will surprise and weaken arrogant enemies, General Rahim Safavi said.
According to him, achieving mutual understanding and interests, lasting peace, security, the prosperity of nations, and countering all kinds of threats are among the basic goals of Iran's neighborhood policy.
Arranging a 20-year non-aggression pact with any of these neighbors or several complementary countries would be a turning point in achieving lasting collective security, he added.
Iran's special geographical position in the world is unparalleled because it is connected with 11 regional geopolitical systems, he said, adding that Iran can link the Shanghai Cooperation Organization with Eurasia and ECO to benefit from their common interests for the next 20 years.
Western powers seek to undermine Iran's power and make the country surrender, he said, adding, "But we can achieve victory against arrogant powers through the continuation of the strategy of resistance, adopting new neighborhood policies and East-oriented policy."
Earlier this month, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said that his country had focused its efforts on the further development of relations and cooperation with the Asian states.
Iran is pursuing the "Asia First" and the "neighborhood first" policy, Amir Abdollahian said in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
He noted that Tehran and Beijing have explored ideas under such a policy, such as "joint projects in some of Iran's neighbors and joint initiatives to promote regional stability, security and sustainable economic development".
Amir Abdollahian added that Iran would make efforts to help those who cannot enjoy long-term security and stability and would "work with countries with a common background on projects related to economy, trade and culture in the form of tripartite or multi-party cooperation".
The Islamic Republic expects to provide more development opportunities for neighboring countries based on this policy, he explained.
Pointing to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of relations between Iran and China, Amir Abdollahian said there are no challenges facing ties between the two countries.
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