Major powers seeking own interests in region: Iranian president

TEHRAN, Feb. 22 (MNA) – The experience has shown outside powers have been always pursuing their own interests in the region, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Sunday.

These countries even sacrifice other nations for their own interests and that is why they have always sought to create insecurity in the region, Ahmadinejad told Azeri Parliament Speaker Ogtay Asadov.

However, he said the hegemonic powers’ influence is abating as he predicted that the situation will change in the region and the whole world.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Ahmadinejad said nothing can influence Tehran-Baku relations, which will have a bright future.

He stated that Iran has always supported Azerbaijan’s prosperity. He added the two neighbors have taken important steps to increase cooperation and thus Iran has lifted visa requirements for Azeri nationals.

The Iranian president also called for closer cooperation on sharing the Caspian Sea resources.

The president went on to say that parliamentary cooperation would help promote ties.

Asadov also said Iran and Azerbaijan should make efforts to develop their ties in all spheres.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he said if the major powers had really wanted to solve regional problems, the crises must have been resolved by now.

The history shows that they have only pursued their own interests in the region, he added.

Thus, the Caspian Sea littoral states must protect their interests through mutual cooperation, the senior Azeri parliamentarian suggested.

The Azeri speaker also thanked Iran for lifting visa requirements, saying Baku will make efforts to do the same for Iranian nationals.