TEHRAN- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that routes which connect nations are the path to peace, development, science, knowledge, affection, and capability.

Making the remarks in the International Conference on Investment and Financing Opportunities of Rail and Road Corridors, in Tehran on Saturday, the president emphasized, "By opening these routes, we can guarantee each other's security, strengthen our economies, and share our experiences in the economic, industrial, medical, cultural, and agricultural fields, achieving sustainable development."

He stressed the Islamic Republic of Iran's firm resolve to develop the country's vital transport arteries, and stated: "The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to operationalize the rail and road corridors, designed and mapped out as the country's vital arteries, as quickly as possible, with strength, speed, precision, quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness."

Referring to the necessity of accelerating project implementation, the president added: "We have not been negligent for even a single day in the thought of quickly operationalizing these routes. Some reports proposed timelines of three or five years, which were not acceptable to me because I believe these projects must be completed with the utmost possible speed."

Addressing the issue of project financing, Pezeshkian stated: "The funds and financial methods mentioned in this meeting will be pursued seriously starting today to establish their financing mechanism. In addition to existing resources, we will allocate whatever we have at our disposal and will provide for the necessary credits. We will also utilize the capacity of domestic investors and contractors for an effective presence in the implementation arena."

Emphasizing the removal of legal and regulatory obstacles, Pezeshkian said: "All existing obstacles in the path of project implementation, including laws and regulations, will be removed in full coordination with Majlis (parliament). Majlis is cooperative and aligned in this matter. If there are legal obstacles, they will be amended through legal channels, and regulations that cause delays or create problems will be amended or removed using delegated authority. If necessary, the government will also make appropriate decisions so that no regulation hinders progress, development, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and transparency."

The president stressed: "Inside the country, we are fully prepared to remove the obstacles ahead, and we are determined to resolve these problems to the best of our ability during our term in office."

In another part of his speech, referring to the Islamic Republic of Iran's regional relations, Pezeshkian stated: "We consider neighboring countries as our brothers, friends, and even relatives."

Referring to the efforts of regional leaders to strengthen security and regional governance, the president remarked: "The actions of the presidents of regional countries aimed at strengthening security and preventing tensions are worthy of appreciation."

Expressing gratitude to foreign ambassadors, investors, and contractors, the president stated: "The Islamic Republic of Iran, within practical frameworks and based on a win-win principle, is ready for any interaction and cooperation to develop transportation. We will strive to organize cooperation in a way that contractors, investors, and partner companies benefit from its advantages, and all parties gain from this win-win equation."

Referring to the fact that the necessary resources for project design and implementation will be secured through avenues such as asset utilization and private sector investment, the president stated that his view on cooperation with friendly and neighboring countries is a fraternal one. "We feel brotherhood in our relations with all neighbors, and our view is not merely diplomatic. Our goal is for the region and all its countries to be filled with happiness, brotherhood, and friendship."

MA