By: Kayhan Int’l Staff Writer

 

Iran’s growing political, economic, and cultural ties with the Persian Gulf states of Qatar and Oman (and to a lesser extent with Kuwait), provide an excellent model for regional cooperation, if only the other three members of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain – summon up the courage to reconsider their flawed policies that are serving the vested interests of the US, and the illegal Zionist entity.

Friday’s visit to Tehran of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Aal-e Thani, at the head of a large delegation and his talks with senior Iranian officials on various issues, including the chronic question of Palestine, is a firm indication in this regard.

It was his second visit, following the one in January 2020, and he was granted an audience with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, who pointed out the need for expanding Tehran-Doha ties to their full capacity.

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei stressed the necessity of increasing political and economic relations between Iran and Qatar, and stated that the way to resolve regional issues must be sought without the interference of foreign elements.

Referring to the continuation of the crimes being committed by the Zionist regime against the people of Palestine, he said: “The Arab world is expected to explicitly enter into political action against these open crimes.”

Sheikh Tamim who earlier this year in February had played host in Doha to President Hojjat al-Islam Seyyed Ibrahim Raisi, reiterated the necessity to further solidify bilateral relations in the number of fields, as strongly condemned, along with the Iranian president in the joint press conference, the latest Israeli crime in the cold-blooded killing of Al-Jazeera TV correspondent in Palestine, Shireen Abu Aqelah.

There are wide scopes of cooperation between Iran and Qatar, including in the media and sports fields, especially with the approach of the FIFA world cup to be held in Doha from November 21 to December 18.

The Islamic Republic has made preparations to play hosts to thousands of football fans from all over the world in view of the limited capacity of hotels in Qatar, coupled with the short distance between Doha and the Iranian resorts on the Persian Gulf. Daily to and fro flights would be operating between the two countries to facilitate travel for the spectators.

Iran and Qatar share the giant Pars gas field in the Persian Gulf and besides the export of wide-ranging Iranian products, including industrial and agricultural, plans are underway to lay a submarine fresh water pipeline from Bushehr to Doha.

Qatar has one of the highest electricity consumptions in the world and is eager to connect its power grid to the Iranian network.

Iran, which currently provides electricity to Iraq, the Caucasus Republic of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, has welcomed the move as a step towards strengthening energy diplomacy.

Such cooperation which is indeed a slap on the US face, could serve as a model for other Persian Gulf states, provided they have the guts to rectify wrongs, such as the Saudi war on Yemen and the repression of the Bahraini nation by the Aal-e Khalifa minority regime, as well as the unnatural ties between Israel, Abu Dhabi and Manama.