By Atinuke Z. Zakariyya
As part of the ceremony marking the commemoration of the 2021 edition of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Diplomacy Monitor, one of the titles of Abuja-based Education Monitor Newspaper, had an exclusive interview with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic, His Excellency Muhammad Alibak, who spoke on wide range of issues of international interest. Happy reading:
Iran, like other sovereign nations in the world, celebrate National Days to mark their independence or any significant date in their history. What makes the National Day of Iran so significant and Unique, especially in recent years?
The most important feature of Iran’s National Day is popularity, and the main program of our celebration is a large march across the country, which is unique in the world and this is exclusive of our National Day. Holding on the February 10 of every year where people match in 5200 points of the country as a sign of its uniqueness in the world.
This 42 year-old celebration is 100% popular, unlike the national celebrations of other countries, which seem symbolic, ceremonial and governmental.
February 10 match is a manifestation of national dignity and authority, and the conscious presence of the Islamic nation of Iran is one of the most beautiful manifestations of God’s power.
Before 1979, Iran was the darling and the leading ally of the western world in the Middle East and which the Mainstream Media used to celebrate and describe as the most civilised and advanced Muslim country in the region, but today, the country is the most hated by the West and its allies. Why is it so?
Rejection of foreign domination has been one of the main principles of the Islamic Revolution of Iran. The previous Iranian regime was a government dependent on foreign powers.
The most important achievements of the Islamic Revolution of Iran undoubtedly was the changes made in Iran’s foreign policy which has led to the formation of an independent, active and innovative foreign policy, based on the three principles of dignity, wisdom and expediency .
Unfortunately, the great powers want to have influence in the important countries of each region and use it to advance their goals. After the revolution in 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran, with its independent foreign policy, did not allow any country to interfere in its internal affairs, and for this reason, not only was it not supported, but it faced many hostilities from them.
Can you share with us the role the Islamic Republic is playing towards achieving peace and stability in the world?
The foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on dialogue and political strategy to resolve political crises. The fight against terrorism and extremism is another principle of our foreign policy, and the overthrow of the ISIS government in Iraq and Syria under the command of Iran showed that we abide by our commitments in all circumstances.
The military doctrine of the Islamic Republic of Iran is defensive and shows that we do not seek to attack any country and Not only has Iran not invaded any country in the last two hundred years, but it has always been ready to counter attack and aggression. There has been a lot of help to the country with all its might.
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran seeks to establish mutual trust with the countries of the region and the world and to develop national security and safety in its surroundings.
Constructive interaction based on equality, mutual respect and common interests is the basis of the relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran with other countries.
Defending the rights of oppressed nations (especially Muslims) in international forums has been one of the principles of the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to the principled fight against terrorism in all its forms and emphasizes the collective effort to prevent the institutionalization of extremism, evil and terrorism. In this direction, Iran is seriously interested in interacting with all countries of the world, including Nigeria.
Preventing violence and fighting terrorism and extremism in the world has been at the heart of the foreign policy and strategy of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The idea was approved by Iran at the UN General Assembly in the form of a world plan free of violence and extremism.
42 years after the establishment of the Islamic Republic, Iran seems to still be on its feet and recording unprecedent and unparalleled Scientific and Technological achievements despite decades of crippling and devastating sanctions, by the US, meant to bring it to its knees. what has been the country’s secret?
For the past 42 years, the Islamic Republic of Iran, despite severe sanctions by the United States and other countries, has proven that it can be an independent country and fight sanctions. Although the sanctions did a lot of damage to the Iranian economy, we were able to achieve economic and technical prosperity under these severe sanctions.
The secret of Iran’s scientific success, of which I will mention a few examples, is its reliance on domestic experts and domestic resources and capital. A country with an independent foreign policy should not expect foreign powers to help them. We use our young scientists in Iran and achieve many successes in various scientific fields such as:
Medicine:
An important part of the scientific achievements and production of science was employed to serve the people. For instance, as reported by the World Bank, in the field of health and medicine, Iran has achieved astonishing growth and great improvements.
Aerospace
Iran has also seen increasing growth in Aerospace engineering. The statistics indicate that in 1996, Iran was the 45th country of the world in producing scientific articles on subjects related to Aerospace. However, taking a fast-forward leap, in 2017 Iran ranked the 11th in the world in scientific production on Aerospace.
Nano-technology
Iran has made significant advances in the field of high tech, especially nanotechnology so that it has been ranked the first in the Middle East and is among the top countries in the world in nanotechnology field in the last decade
How does Iran share or intends to share its Scientific and Technological achievements with developing or underdeveloped nations of the world?
We are ready to share all our experiences in the field of science with other countries. Strengthening political and economic relations can provide the necessary grounds for this technology transfer. At present, many of our technical products and engineering services have been exported to other countries.
In my meetings with Nigerian friendly officials, I emphasized the expansion of economic and technical relations between the two countries and my country’s readiness to increase cooperation. I have received positive signs from the Nigerian authorities and I hope that the relations between the two countries will expand more than before.