Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut said Macran’s “lost paradise” must be transformed into a future economic hub for Iran and the region.
Attending the 8th Indian Ocean Conference on the ongoing Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman, Araguchi said, “Iran’s Islamic Republic has placed a “maritime oriented” policy at the forefront of strategic development.”
“The country with more than 5,800 kilometres of coastline that stretches south along this vast ocean does not remain indifferent to its future,” he added.
“Developing a maritime-based economy is not just an option for Iran. It’s a must,” he pointed out.
The full text of his speech is as follows:
Excellence,
A well-known guest,
Dear friend,
Today we gather in lands that have been recognized for centuries as bridges between the East and the West, connecting great civilizations with the distance. Our elegant host, Oman, has long been an economic actor, but also a symbol of interaction, dialogue and constructive diplomacy in the Indian Ocean region. At the heart of global development, the region continues to play a critical role in shaping the future of the international economy.
Throughout history, the ocean has been a gateway for civilized connections rather than geographical boundaries. For thousands of years, the Indian Ocean has not only been a body of water, but also an important highway for trade, cultural exchange and civilization development. The route connects merchants from Indian coasts to Africa, Indonesian islands to the Persian Gulf and Iran to the Red Sea. In a time when overland routes were long and dangerous, the oceans connect emerging economies and create new opportunities.
But today the world is experiencing radical change. The rapid pace of economic and technological development, the dependence of states on new trade routes, and the need for regional security and cooperation are more important than ever. In such a situation, traditional routes and old trade patterns alone are insufficient. We need to design a future in which the Indian Ocean is not just a transport route, but a hub of strategic and economic cooperation. This is the philosophy behind the theme of this year’s conference, “Now to a New Horizon of Maritime Partnership.” The theme is more than just a slogan. Rather, it reflects the historical need for all countries in the region.
Recognizing these developments, the Islamic Republic of Iran has placed “maritime oriented” policies at the forefront of strategic development. Over 5,800km of coastline – over 4,900km of countries spread south along this vast ocean and do not remain indifferent to its future. Development of a maritime-based economy is more than just an option for Iran. That is a must. We believe that our coast is not just a natural boundary, but a gateway that connects Iran to the world economy. Therefore, the 14th government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has developed a comprehensive and operational plan for ports, maritime transport and the establishment of regional supply chains.
In this connection, the Macran coast holds a special place. These coasts, which have been overlooked for centuries in natural and economic potential, have now become a national development priority. Macran’s “lost paradise” must be transformed into the future economic centre of Iran and the region. Based on this strategy, the Islamic Republic government of Iran has identified four important objectives for the development of the region.
– First, it supports small and medium-sized industries that can strengthen the native and local economies, create sustainable jobs for communities living in these sectors, and play a role in the local supply chain.
– Secondly, development of energy infrastructure focused on renewable energy. We believe that the future economy will depend on sustainable clean energy. Investing in new energy technologies and reducing dependence on fossil fuels is not only environmentally important, but also promotes regional competitiveness from an economic standpoint.
– Third, the completion of the international transport corridor and strengthening the transport routes. Establishing a network of railways, roads and maritime routes that connect Iran to other countries in the region is an important pillar of our maritime-oriented policy. and
– Fourth, they begged domestic and foreign investments as a driving force behind economic development. Without sustainable investment, the economy cannot grow. We welcome all countries that want to contribute to the development of this region.
That being said, none of these plans can be realized without perpetuating security. Maritime security is more important than ever for the global economy. In addition to its economic and trade role, the Islamic Republic of Iran is also responsible for ensuring maritime security. The Iranian Navy has been consistently involved in working with regional countries to combat piracy operations, drug trafficking and organized crime, and ensuring the safety of its voyages. We believe that maritime security should not be used as one-ever for pressure and influence from forces outside the region. Rather, it should be the result of cooperation between regional states.
At the same time, no country can move forward on its own path to economic development. Regional cooperation is key to shared progress. Through membership in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Indian Ocean Navy Symposium (ION), Iran emphasizes its commitment to multilateralism and economic and security cooperation in the region.
Still, there are still important issues. Specific outside-regional authority seeks to exploit regional political, economic and security gaps and aims to undermine natural cooperation between regional states. It cannot allow geopolitical competition of global forces to determine the future of this region. Decisions regarding the fate of the Indian Ocean must be made by the countries in this region and serve the interests of their people.
In conclusion, we are pleased to see that the conference is being held in Oman, our friendly and brotherly country. Oman has always been a symbol of interaction, dialogue and constructive diplomacy in the region. We believe that only through cooperation and mutual trust can we build a sustainable future for the people of this region. We hope that this conference marks the beginning of a new chapter in maritime and regional cooperation, a chapter in which cooperation will replace divisions, and a chapter in which development will sacrificed rivalries.
MNA/IRN