Iran-Qatar cooperation leads to regional cooperation – Mehr News Agency | Iran and world’s news
Mehr News Agency – International Group – Peyman Yazdani: Iranian President Ibrahim Ra’isi traveled to Qatar on Monday on a pre-planned visit and was warmly welcomed by the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the beginning of his arrival. A journey that has attracted a lot of regional and international attention.
The president’s visit to Qatar comes 11 years ago when an Iranian president last visited Qatar. Before leaving Tehran for Doha on Monday, Raisi told reporters that his visit to Qatar was a step towards activating neighborhood diplomacy, especially with the Persian Gulf countries, and using their capacities to develop political and economic relations. He also expressed hope that this trip will have positive effects in promoting political, economic and trade relations between the countries of the region, especially the countries of the Persian Gulf.
Tehran-Doha relations in recent years have witnessed significant progress in all economic, political, cultural, energy and border fields. These developments are the result of the attention of the officials of the two countries, who are working to expand and develop bilateral relations and to promote cooperation at the highest levels. Regarding the importance of Mr. Ra’isi’s recent visit to Qatar and its importance, we spoke with Professor Nader Entesar, a retired professor of political science from the University of South Alabama, as described below.
How do you assess the current Iranian government’s approach to the country’s neighbors?
The main government has so far taken appropriate steps to improve and enhance Iran’s relations with its neighbors. Prioritizing Iran’s foreign policy toward its neighbors is not limited to its immediate neighbors, but also extends to wider areas such as Central Asia.
In what political, economic and cultural fields can Iran and Qatar cooperate?
Qatar has the potential to invest in various fields in Iran. So far, this issue has not been addressed as it should and perhaps should be. Also, cultural exchanges, tourism and cooperation in the field of art are among the areas that can lead to better understanding between the two countries. The upcoming World Cup in Qatar may also be an opportunity for both sides to highlight their relationship.
Do you see an opportunity for cooperation between Iran and Qatar in the field of energy and what can be the importance of this cooperation?
Iran and Qatar are rivals in the field of energy, and there will always be differences and conflicting interests between the two countries in the field of energy. However, there are many opportunities for Iran and Qatar to work together in the production and marketing of natural gas, especially since the two countries share common gas fields. Competition and cooperation in the related gas and energy fields can be pursued in two parallel directions until the two sides understand the importance of coordinating their energy policies.
In general, what effects can the cooperation between the two countries have on the stability and security of the region? Can this issue have a positive effect on relations between Iran and other Arab countries in the Persian Gulf?
Effective and sustainable cooperation between Iran and Qatar can certainly be extended to other regional cooperation projects at the appropriate time. But this requires a successful process of building trust between Iran and the Arab Gulf states, which is both time consuming and requires subtle political steps by all parties involved. Regional security remains volatile, and overcoming obstacles to regional security is daunting. This is because Iran and the Arab allies of the West in the Persian Gulf have conflicting perceptions of regional stability and security.
Despite the ups and downs in Iran and some other Arab countries in the Persian Gulf, Iran and Qatar have good relations. What factors are influencing the expansion of these relations?
For the most part, Qatar has pursued a pragmatic, non-confrontational policy toward Iran. Tehran, for its part, has reciprocated Qatar’s stance toward the Islamic Republic with respect for Doha’s foreign policy orientation and its close relations with the West. Also, Iran’s timely and practical support for Qatar at a time when the country was under attack by Saudi Arabia has been an important variable in strengthening Iran-Qatar relations.