"Constructive interaction will be made based on mutual respect and on an equal footing," Rouhani said on Monday, addressing the Iranian lawmakers who are due to give vote of confidence to his proposed ministers.
He elaborated on the principles of his foreign policy, and said, "In the discourse of moderateness, foreign policy means protecting national security, securing national interests and all-out and targeted development of the country."
In relevant remarks earlier this month, Rouhani had underlined that expansion of ties with the neighboring countries as well as establishment of peace and stability in the region will be a top priority of his administration.
Speaking to reporters in his first press conference as Iran’s president on Tuesday, Rouhani said his “government will prioritize its relations with Iran’s neighbors and the regional countries”.
“Hence, developing ties with the neighbors sets an agenda for the government,” he reiterated.
He further reiterated that efforts to establish tranquility and stability in the region as well as a regional détente policy, specially in ties with the friendly nations of the region, will be a priority of his government.
“In our recent meetings with certain regional countries, one of the points that they emphasized pertained to Iran’s more active presence for regional stability and development, and my government will step onto this path and continue it,” President Rouhani said.
