In his speech at the Commonwealth of Independent States leaders' meeting, Masoud Pezeshkian stressed the region's urgent need for resilience against crises and wars. He said: "Our common interests lie not in competition among routes but in connecting them." Pezeshkian pointed to Iran's geographical position as a natural route for connecting Central Asia and Eurasia to the open seas, discussing the capacities of Iran's southern ports, especially Chabahar, for linking this region to South Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Emphasis on Regional Cooperation
The President of Iran stated that the Islamic Republic considers itself a natural part of the interconnected geography of the region, emphasizing that this connection is rooted in history, culture, and civilization. In this regard, he suggested that the format of "Independent Commonwealth of Independent States + Iran" or "CIS+1" be established as a flexible and effective mechanism for dialogue and cooperation. This proposal could help develop joint cooperation in the fields of transit, energy, trade, mining, and technology.
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The Necessity of Creating Transport Corridors
Pezeshkian also referred to Turkmenistan's proposal for creating a transport corridor between Central and South Asia and Europe via the Caspian Sea, stating: "North-South and East-West corridors should be considered as components of a single regional network." He emphasized that each new route adds to the capacities of other routes and contributes to regional convergence.
In conclusion, Pezeshkian highlighted the importance of regional security and stability, saying: "We must connect our capacities so that each country can benefit from the advantages of this shared geography while maintaining independence." He noted that instead of engaging in destructive competition, we should focus on cooperation and mutual trust.
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