Iran's strides towards maintaining relations with the Arab states

Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi has reiterated the importance of fostering relations between Iran and the Arab and Islamic states. In statements he made in Tehran on Monday, the Iranian foreign minister added that Iran has taken important steps in this regard and that it is ready to develop its relations with the Arab and Islamic states, with no exception.

Kharazi noted the role played by the Organization of the Islamic Conference in the international arena during the one-and-a-half years of Iran's presidency, adding that during this period "the OIC could establish good relations with international and regional organizations."

In a speech he delivered on Monday on the inauguration of the forum to evaluate the first half of Iran's presidency over the OIC, Kharazi added that his country and 18 months of its presidency of the OIC and at the backing of the OIC member states could pass most crucial and difficult times.

He added that embarking on the policy of eliminating tension and misunderstanding in relations with the countries of the region and the world has created atmospheres of confidence and cooperation in various fields and helped increase oil prices.