IRNA � President Hassan Rouhani said here Wednesday that Iran did welcome the message of the six Persian Gulf littoral states delivered to the country by the Kuwaiti government.


Prior to his trip to Oman this morning, President Rouhani said Iran welcomed the essence of the message which focused on removing misunderstandings and improving relations.

The president said he is to hold talks with officials of two members of the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council [P]GCC on issues of mutual interest.

The policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on good neighborly relations and security of the Persian Gulf region, Rouhani underlined.

Iran has never thought of meddling in the internal affairs of other countries nor imposing religious and political beliefs on others, the president noted.

Iran�s policy is rooted in joint cooperation with friends and the Islamic countries, Rouhani stressed.

Since the Persian Gulf is an important region, Iran has always stressed regional security that should be provided by regional countries not foreigners, Rouhani went on to say.

�Today, we should focus on further unity,� said the president, adding the gap created by big powers between the Shia and Sunni Muslims should be bridged since the two Islamic faiths have been living together peacefully for centuries.

Iranophobia, Shiaophobia and hatred of neighbors are all problems created by foreigners, said President Rouhani, adding that Iran has always been after promoting regional relations and ensuring stability, unity and security in the entire region.

The president noted there are good grounds for developing cooperation with the Persian Gulf littoral states.

Fostering bilateral ties is the first aim of his Muscat trip, the president said, adding issues of Iraq, Syria and particularly Yemen are also to be discussed.