The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, delivered a message of "friendship, engagement, cooperation and peaceful coexistence" to participants at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2014. http://www.weforum.org/sessions/summary/iran-world President Rouhani emphasized that Iran will not accept being discriminated against as it develops nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and called on all nations to create conducive conditions in Syria for free and fair elections. "My view of social, economic and political issues is one of prudent moderation," he said. "The people of Iran opted for this approach and now they are demanding its implementation. The Iranian people's choice has been welcomed in the region and internationally." President Rouhani said that the events in the global economy over the past six years have shown that no nation can live alone. "No business can achieve sustainable growth without adhering to social responsibilities and no power can regard its domination as permanent," he said. "Globalization has shown in the global crisis that we are all in the same boat. If we do not choose wise captains, the storm will harm us all." Rouhani went on to say that Iran is determined to lay the groundwork for his country to become one the world's top 10 economies in coming years, and intends to develop peaceful and normalized relationships with its immediate neighbours and internationally. "All countries that Iran has officially recognized are within this circle. We want to see a better future and peace with all. I want to integrate Iran as an active and peaceful player in the global community," he said. Pointing to the success of his government in reaching an nuclear deal last November with the P5+1, comprising the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China and Germany, Rouhani said he does not see any "insurmountable obstacles or impediments" in reaching a comprehensive nuclear deal in the future. "Iran has never desired a nuclear weapon in the past or one in the future. But we are not willing to give up our peaceful technology," he said. "Countries are allowed to engage in peaceful activity under supervision. Forty countries have dual use of nuclear technology. Iran will not accept being discriminated against." Rouhani acknowledged that Syria has been engulfed in a major catastrophe and that its people have borne the brunt. "It is a miserable situation and very sad. But we have to be sad and concerned about the presence of terrorists, ruthless killers who kill innocent bystanders and fight among themselves," he explained. "We should work together to push terrorists out of Syria." Rouhani added that it is important to pave the way for the Syrian opposition to sit around the table with the government. "The best solution is to organize free and fair elections. No outside power can decide for Syria," he stressed. "Everyone should work together to create conducive conditions to help the Syrians."

• published: 23 Jan 2014
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