By Xinhua
Doha : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attended the opening ceremony of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)’s annual summit here on Monday in a bid to close ranks and boost cooperation with the GCC nations.
Ahmadinejad became the first Iranian president invited to attend the gathering of the GCC, which groups the world’s six top oil exporters, namely Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Addressing the opening ceremony of the GCC annual summit, Ahmadinejad said the six oil-rich Gulf Arab states and Iran should work together to establish regional security and economic pacts “without foreign influence.”
“We call for peace and security without any foreign influence,” he said, noting that establishment of economical and security pacts and institutions among the seven states will secure peace and prosperity for all.
All Gulf countries should make every effort to avoid pushing the region into more tensions, he said, noting that “our cooperation will unite against any foreign influence or injustice.”
He also brought forward a string of proposals, including opening borders with the GCC to strengthen economic relations, annulling visas to facilitate free movement of citizens and protecting regional environment.
Moreover, Ahmadinejad offered to share Iran’s expertise in various fields, including “energy and the new technologies.” Iran could also offer water and natural gas to its neighbors, he said.
Last month, the Islamic republic signed an agreement to provide gas for Bahrain.
Speaking at a press conference later in the day, Ahmadinejad once again highlighted Iran’s eagerness for peace and cooperation with the Gulf neighbors for they share common religion, history and culture.
Before leaving Tehran in the evening, Ahmadinejad hailed his invitation to Qatar as “a new chapter of cooperation” in the Gulf.
Faced with stepped up international pressure over its controversial uranium enrichment program, Iran is eager to improve ties with the Gulf countries, local analysts said.
They added that Ahmadinejad’s mere presence at the GCC summit indicates the channel of talks are open and is a significant development between Iran and the GCC, which has always called for a nuclear-free Gulf while keeping a close eye on the developments of Iran’s nuclear case.
The GCC summit kicked off earlier in the day, with regional security and economic integration on top of the agenda.
Founded in 1981, the Saudi capital Riyadh-based GCC is a regional political and economic alliance aimed at enhancing cooperation among its six member states.