Iran’s IRNA reported on Wednesday evening that Araqchi’s statements came during the opening of the second regional diplomacy meeting in the city of Mashhad, located in the Khorasan province in eastern Iran. Araqchi stated that “the volume of trade between Iran and neighboring countries exceeds the total trade volume between Iran and European countries, which reflects the increasing importance of trade cooperation with neighboring countries.” He added that the Iranian Foreign Ministry sees great potential in regional diplomacy that could benefit the entire country, adding that Iran’s foreign policy priority is focused first on direct neighbors, followed by more geographically distant neighboring countries within the regional sphere. Araqchi pointed out that many bilateral issues, especially those that can be addressed and resolved at the provincial level, are essential. He emphasized the necessity of promoting Iran’s capabilities abroad and ensuring that its distinctive products are marketed in target markets through the preparation of appropriate media and economic supplements.
