TEHRAN – The Iranian foreign minister says that a ceasefire in Gaza has the potential to restore peace and security to the entire region.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Hossein Amir Abdollahian expressed concerns about what he perceived as U.S. hypocrisy regarding violence, emphasizing the need to end preferential treatment for Israel. 

He warned that unless the United States refrains from encouraging Israel to employ violent force in the Gaza Strip, regional peace will remain at risk.

Amir Abdollahian continued his diplomatic efforts in Geneva, engaging in a meeting and discussion with Elina Valtonen, the foreign minister of Finland. The top Iranian diplomat congratulated Finland on its presidential elections, expressing Iran's keen interest in taking bilateral relations to new heights. He highlighted the readiness to develop a joint roadmap for this purpose.

Amir Abdollahian emphasized common opportunities for collaboration and shared interests, such as cooperation between knowledge-based companies and collaboration in the agricultural sector. He proposed parliamentary cooperation and suggested political consultation sessions at the ministerial level between the political leaders and foreign ministries of both countries.

Valtonen, for her part, expressed satisfaction with the meeting and thanked Amir Abdollahian for the invitation to visit Iran. She welcomed continued dialogue with Iran in areas of mutual interest. Describing the alarming humanitarian situation in Gaza as a shared concern, she emphasized Iran and Finland’s joint belief in ongoing efforts to prevent a humanitarian tragedy.

Iran, Venezuela determined to strengthen ties

In a separate meeting, the Iranian foreign minister and his Venezuelan counterpart Yván Gil Pinto expressed contentment with the strides made in the relations between the two countries, particularly in the aftermath of meetings between the Presidents of Iran and Venezuela in Tehran and Caracas. Amir Abdollahian highlighted the signing of 19 cooperation documents, including robust 20-year-long agreements, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the effective implementation of these accords.

Emphasizing the significance of enhanced cooperation between the nations, Amir Abdollahian decried U.S. interference in Venezuela's internal affairs, especially in matters related to the country's elections. He affirmed Iran's support for Venezuela's sovereignty in selecting its leadership without foreign intervention.

Furthermore, addressing the unfolding events in Palestine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and Israel's attempts, backed by the U.S., to relocate Palestinians to neighboring countries, the top Iranian diplomat emphasized the need for sustained global efforts to curb war crimes and genocide against the Palestinian people.

The Venezuelan party also conveyed satisfaction with the collaboration between the two countries in international affairs and expressed readiness to further enhance these partnerships.

Throughout the meeting, various other topics of mutual interest in bilateral and international realms were discussed. The Iranian Foreign Minister extended an invitation to his Venezuelan counterpart for a visit to Iran, which was warmly received, and it was agreed that the visit would take place at an opportune time.

“Egypt’s security important for Tehran”

Amir Abdollahian continued his diplomatic efforts in Geneva, also engaging in a meeting and discussion with Sameh Shoukry, Egypt's Foreign Minister.

In the initial remarks, the Iranian foreign minister stressed the need for collaborative efforts by both sides to propel positive developments in their relations, particularly given the agreement between the two countries’ presidents to review and expedite bilateral ties.

Highlighting that Iran sees Egypt's security as intertwined with its own, Amir Abdollahian underlined that cooperation between Iran and Egypt, including their joint support for Palestine, would yield positive repercussions for the entire region.

The top Iranian diplomat emphasized Egypt's vital role in supporting Palestine and providing aid during the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He expounded on Iran's perspective, identifying the Israeli occupation regime as the root cause of the regional crisis. Stressing the need for sustained joint efforts, he called for an end to the genocide against Palestinians and urgent humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people.

Sameh Shoukry conveyed satisfaction with the meeting, expressing hope that these discussions would pave the way for the recovery of relations between the two countries, aligning with the mutual interests of both nations. He outlined Egypt's policy to establish cooperative foundations grounded in common interests, believing that bilateral relations could significantly contribute to regional stability and crisis management.

Regarding the Palestine issue, Shoukry emphasized its crucial importance for both countries and the whole region. He stated that Egypt and Iran share a common commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and putting an end to crimes against the Palestinian people. Shoukry assured that both Cairo and Tehran are fully dedicated to making every effort to support the Palestinian people, aligning closely in their views on this matter.

Heading a diplomatic delegation, Amir Abdollahian arrived in Geneva early on Monday to attend the 55th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) and the high-level segment of the Conference on Disarmament.