TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed former foreign ministers in Tehran on Tuesday, emphasizing his administration's dedication to fostering constructive relationships with nations around the globe.

Pezeshkian shared insights into his diplomatic initiatives, reporting around 95 meetings with foreign leaders and officials since taking office. 

He said he is particularly focused on strengthening ties with neighboring countries and the advancements made in collaborative agreements with China and Russia, especially in areas concerning infrastructure and transit projects. 

While the president acknowledged the challenges posed by the Israeli regime’s "mischief" in ongoing negotiations with European nations, he underscored the positive developments in Iran's foreign relations. 

Notably, he mentioned fruitful discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, which have led to a directive for the foreign ministers of both countries to work towards enhancing bilateral relations after decades of diplomatic absence. 

Pezeshkian emphasized that India's eagerness to accelerate the Chabahar port development project and the Persian Gulf nations' intentions to establish transit routes through Iran are central to the country's regional strategy. 

He stated, "For the country's development, we must arrange international relations, resolve tensions, and improve the groundwork for interactions with regional and global countries." 

Pezeshkian also commented on potential engagements with the U.S. in regional and international contexts, remarking, "Whether we like it or not, we will have to deal with the U.S. in the regional and international arenas, so it is better to manage this relation ourselves." 

Referring to a poem by the Persian poet Hafez, the president concluded by saying, "We have to treat our friends with generosity and handle our enemies with forbearance."