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Tanks do not establish security, the economy does

Iran Materials 13 March 2014 12:32 (UTC +04:00)
“It is economy which establishes security, not military aircraft, artillery and tanks, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani said.
Tanks do not establish security, the economy does

Baku, Azerbaijan, March 13

By Umid Niayesh - Trend

Finally, Iranians and Americans can agree on one thing; "it's the economy, stupid," as President Bill Clinton used to say.

"It is economy which establishes security, not military aircraft, artillery and tanks, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani said, the country's ISNA news agency reported on March 13."

Rouhani made the remarks during a meeting with Omani and Iranian businessmen in Muscat.

He invited businessmen to invest in Iran, saying that "if we invest in each other's countries this can be our best defense instrument."

"Traders and investors carry message of peace and security," he said, adding that economic development eliminates differences among the countries.

Rouhani underlined that Iran will become a secure country for foreign investments.

"We should bring closer the regional countries and their interests," he said, remarking that regionalism is as important as globalism.

Rouhani also stressed the importance of boosting joint interests and removing differences among the regional countries, saying that the regional countries should pay attention to boosting transportation, including ports, railways and roads for expanding ties.

The Iranian president went on to note that establishing closer ties with the Islamic world, in particular neighboring countries is his administration's priority.

"We should pass unhealthy competitions which lead to hostility," he said.

Emphasizing boosting of regional ties, Rouhani cited Iran-Oman relations in the past 40 years as an example of healthy competition.

Rouhani arrived in Oman on March 12 at the head of a delegation on an official two-day visit.

The Iranian President met with Omani leader Sultan Qaboos and discussed issues of mutual interests as well as ways for further expansion of bilateral ties between the two countries.

During the meeting, the two sides highlighted boosting mutual ties and implementation of agreements already signed between the two countries during Qaboos's previous trip to Iran.

They also stressed cooperation on shipping line, customs, monetary, environment, tourism and scientific areas.

Rouhani and Sultan Qaboos discussed regional issues, and highlighted boosting cooperation among countries to reduce regional tensions.

Oman and Iran, which share control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, maintain friendly relations.

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