Message from H.E. Mohammad Zaeri Amirani, Iran’s Ambassador On the Occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution
The last year visit of His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena and the high ranking delegation of ministers to Tehran and the visits of Iranian parliament speaker and also foreign minister to Sri Lanka all indicates the determination of both sides to expand the relations between the two countries.
February 11th marks the victory of the Islamic revolution of Iran led by the late Imam Khomeini in 1979. Today, all Iranians around the globe are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the victory of a cause which was a beacon of light for the Iranian people and was attained through enormous self – sacrifices by the people seeking independence, freedom and justice. The Islamic revolution was a momentum to reject domestic tyranny and foreign domination and it opened a new chapter of participation of people in fulfilling the national will.
Being home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations and enjoying a long history in being a nation state, Iran has long been one of the important peace making players in the region and the world at large.
After the revolution, to play a better role in the international arena, the foreign policy of the country received as much attention as the domestic one.
In our viewpoint, bridging different nations is preferred over making a wall. Therefore, our priority has always been maintaining a good, friendly, sustainable and all – out relations with our neighbours, commitment to the international treaties, cooperation with regional and international bodies and constructive interactions with the international community.
Therefore, we believe that security, national interest, social welfare and living environment of the people are linked together so the foreign policy should be based on interaction, common welfare and cooperation.
In domestic policy, regarding social and political aspects, the emphasis was placed on respecting principles of democracy through votes of people, gender justice, social participation of women, protection of minority rights and peaceful coexistence among different religious and ethnic groups.
In economic sector, sustainable and harmonic development, boosting domestic industries and leveraging indigenous potentials to cut down dependency was emphasized.
Once being totally dependent on the foreign know – how, the revolution gave the Iranian people the impetus and necessary selfconfidence to stand on their own feet and meet their country’s various needs.
As a result, now after four decades of the Islamic revolution, Iran has achieved significant breakthrough in various scientific and technological areas. Iran’s latest achievements in infrastructure, Nano technology, pharmaceuticals, defense industries, stem cells, auto industry, agriculture, peaceful nuclear energy and many more are all indicatives of a country and its people who are determined to show their true identity to the world as a country which once was the hub for science, culture, literature, arts and architecture in the world and its scholars made great contributions to humanity during the course of time.
Ranking fourth in cement production. Being fourth in the world in stem cell research and first in the region for production of biotechnology. Ranking as the 10th largest producer of petrochemicals. Producing 90 percent of the country’s pharmaceutical needs. Being world’s largest producer of handmade carpet and last but not least, having a high science and technology growth rate are a few of the international rankings achieved during the past forty years.
I feel the time is now opportune to turn our attention towards the more positive trends that has marked the bilateral ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Although the diplomatic relation between Iran and Sri Lanka established in 1961, but the links between the two nations can be traced deep in the history.
The ties between the two countries have always been a friendly one and have moved on an upward trajectory. The commonalities between the two countries, common stands on international issues, significant geographical locations of Iran and Sri Lanka, membership of both countries in regional and international bodies such as Non – Aligned Movement, G-15 and Indian Ocean Rim Association all have brought the two countries close together.
The last year visit of His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena and the high ranking delegation of ministers to Tehran and the visits of Iranian Parliament speaker and also foreign minister to Sri Lanka all indicates the determination of both sides to expand the relations between the two countries.
Iran remains one of the largest export markets for Sri Lankan goods mainly tea, rubber and coconut. However; the current trade exchange volume between Iran and Sri Lanka is not as much as expected and a common responsibility lies on us to boost this trend.
Expansion of bilateral trade and its diversification will be the foundations of the two countries modern economic relations. Energy supply, partnership in infrastructure projects, development of tourism and people to people contact fall in this category.
University and scientific cooperation, granting scholarships and cultural exchanges are among the priorities of our relations.
Finally may I take this opportunity, on this happy occasion to convey my warmest greetings to His Excellency President, government and friendly people of Sri Lanka. With the prevailing goodwill on both sides the mutual cooperation and friendship between Iran and Sri Lanka will continue to grow from strength to strength. Indeed, the future looks bright for Iran – Sri Lanka ties.
I express my best regards and greetings to the local Iranian community and to all friends and well-wishers of Iran from all walks of life.
Thank you.