"Under my administration, we will prioritize strengthening relations with our neighbors. We will champion the establishment of a 'strong region' rather than one where a single country pursues hegemony and dominance over the others," Pezeshkian said in an article entitled 'My message to the new world' published in the Tehran Times newspaper on Friday.
Iran looks forward to continuing cooperation with countries in the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, and Turkey, in order to strengthen trade and economic relations, increase investment in industry and for comprehensive national development of all regional countries, he noted.
"We look forward to cooperating with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and regional organizations to deepen our economic ties, bolster trade relations, promote joint-venture investment, tackle common challenges, and move towards establishing a regional framework for dialogue, confidence building, and development," Pezeshkian said.
The president emphasized that "cooperation for regional development and prosperity will be the guiding principle" of Iran's foreign policy.
Nevertheless, the new administration "will pursue an opportunity-driven policy by creating balance in relations with all countries, consistent with our national interests, economic development, and requirements of regional and global peace and security," he said.
As for the existing crisis between Russia and Ukraine, Iran is striving for peace for Russia and Ukraine, and the government will be ready to support peace initiatives.
"I will continue to prioritize bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Russia, particularly within frameworks such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Eurasia Economic Union," Pezeshkian said.
China, Russia Supported Iran in Tough Times, Tehran Values Friendship
Pezeshkian also pointed out in his article that China and Russia have consistently stood by Iran during challenging times, and Iran “deeply values this friendship.”
"China and Russia have consistently stood by us during challenging times. We deeply value this friendship," the president noted.
The president-elect also called Russia a "valued strategic ally" of Iran, adding that his administration will remain committed to expanding Tehran-Moscow cooperation.