Doha: Organized by the Al Jazeera Centre for Studies and the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations in Iran, the 4th edition of the Arab-Iranian Dialogue Conference commenced on Saturday. Held under the title, "Strong Relations and Mutual Benefits," the event brought together a distinguished group of officials, experts, and researchers specializing in regional and international affairs.
According to Qatar News Agency, this edition of the conference comes at a critical moment for the region, amid major transformations and rising challenges, giving the gathering exceptional significance as an open platform for strengthening dialogue between the Arab world and Iran. The conference aims to build partnerships rooted in shared interests and regional stability.
In his opening speech, HE Chairman of Al Jazeera Media Network's Board of Directors, Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al-Thani, emphasized that Arab-Iranian relations are not merely defined by geography but consist of a long history of cultural interaction and shared interests. He noted that this historical and cultural interconnection calls for a deeper study to understand the nature of these relations and explore avenues for sustainable future cooperation.
His Excellency highlighted that this year's theme, "Strong Relations and Mutual Benefits," reflects a firm belief in the importance of constructive dialogue as a fundamental entry point to sustainable development and regional stability. He asserted that fostering understanding can only be achieved through continued discussions and new approaches to address regional conflicts.
Regarding political developments, HE the Chairman welcomed the Iran-US talks hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, expressing hope that they would lead to outcomes serving all parties' interests, helping ease regional tensions, and laying a foundation for broader global stability.
Concluding his speech, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al-Thani stressed that cooperation between Arab states and Iran is essential for institutionalizing intellectual dialogue and seeking sustainable solutions that benefit both sides' peoples.
HE President of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations and former Iranian Foreign Minister, Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, emphasized the importance of enhancing dialogue and cooperation between Iran and the Arab world to confront current regional challenges. He pointed out that regional dialogue is urgently needed in light of rapidly evolving geopolitical developments, adding that Iran seeks to use soft power to establish sound relations and promote cooperation in areas such as the economy, energy, culture, and science.
Dr. Kharrazi also expressed concern over continued regional conflicts, particularly regarding the Palestinian issue, calling for joint efforts to halt aggression on Gaza and impose sanctions on Israel to deter ongoing violations.
In closing, HE the President called for the establishment of a regional mechanism for security and economic cooperation, free from foreign interference, stressing Iran's readiness to build broad and comprehensive partnerships with neighboring countries to achieve a shared future of peace and progress.
Running until May 12, the conference aims to deepen discussions on enhancing Arab-Iranian dialogue and explore establishing a sustainable strategic partnership capable of confronting the many challenges facing the region. Through its sessions, participants will seek to develop theoretical and practical frameworks for advancing regional cooperation based on mutual understanding and trust.
The fourth edition's agenda will address several pressing issues, focusing on how escalation and de-escalation are reshaping regional power dynamics. It will underscore the importance of maintaining and deepening dialogue, stemming from a shared belief that building strong relations based on shared benefits is the optimal path to achieving peace and sustainable development in the region.