Iran, Russia seek reducing tensions by Iran proposed non-aggression pact: Ryabkov

The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister said the aim of Iran’s proposed non-aggression pact to the Persian Gulf countries is to reduce tensions in the region.

Iran press/EuropeSergey Ryabkov called on Arab countries to note Iran’s proposed non-aggression pact and react to it in order to reduce tensions in the region, Iran Press reported.

"Iran’s proposed non-aggression pact to the Persian Gulf countries has set and announced in due time," Ryabkov said.

"Tehran's proposal seems to fit in perfectly with an earlier Moscow proposal as a matter of confidence building in the region," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister continued.

He added: "We say it repeatedly and tell our Arab colleagues and friends the proposal is provided and we are ready to make it operational."

"Success in this way will affect preserving the JCPOA  (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and we hope that Mecca summit participants note the message made by Iran and Russia which looks for reducing tensions in the Persian Gulf region by means of agreements," Ryabkov noted.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister arrived in Tehran on Wednesday to hold consultations on the situation surrounding the Iran nuclear deal.

Earlier, Iran's ambassador to France Bahram Ghassemi, while addressing a conference titled 'Reducing Tensions in the Persian Gulf' which was held at the French Senate on May 27,2019 said: "We are and have been ready to interact, negotiate and clear misunderstandings with certain Persian Gulf littoral states."

Speaking at a press conference in Moscow on Monday 27 May, Sergei Lavrov the Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that the Russian government thinks it is right and proper for Iran to sign non-aggression pacts with the Persian Gulf littoral states. Lavrov said from Moscow's point of view the signing of a non-aggression pact is a logical first step towards the reduction of tensions.

It is worth noting that Tehran has put forward a host of proposals for ensuring security in the Persian Gulf over the years.  Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had even proposed the signing of a non-aggression pact with Saudi Arabia several months ago.

 These schemes (initiatives) are all rooted in Iran's firm belief that security in the Persian Gulf region is only possible through the active participation of all regional countries, and that an ideal and permanent security mechanism for the region can only be achieved if non-regional countries do not interfere in this region.203/209

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