H.E. Mr. ALI AKBAR NAZARI, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, wrote to Việt Nam News on February 11, 2024.

A very bright outlook and promising relations between Iran and Việt Nam exist in the light of their leaders' political will, common interests, and huge potential.

February 11, 2024 marks the 45th Anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. After more than 100 years, the Iranian people’s Islamic movement entered a new phase on February 11, 1979 through the establishment of the Islamic Republic system based on the will, and religious and cultural values of the nation. Independence, freedom, and the Islamic Republic are the most highly valued pillars of the revolution.

Under the leadership of Hazrat Ayatollah Khamenei, the country is still attached to the ideal of religious democracy and maintains its independence and other fundamental pillars of the revolution.

Over the past 45 years, despite many sanctions, pressures and obstacles that have been illegally put in the way of Iran’s progress, significant achievements in various fields have been gained, which have strengthened national unity, boosted the economy, and heightened the country’s role in the international arena.

The massive presence of people from all walks of life was an obvious characteristic of the Islamic Revolution. However, the role of women has been very considerable and effective in this regard. After the victory of the Islamic Revolution, women have increasingly taken part in different domains such as politics, culture, economy, sciences, literature, art, and sport. Now in Iran, not only has the literacy rate among women increased to 99.3 per cent, but also women make up 56 per cent of the students of public universities in the country. The presence of more than 2,390 women as leaders of science-based companies, winning 3,302 medals in international sports events, and winning 128 international awards by female filmmakers are a few examples of Iranian women’s active participation in social life.

Nowadays, the Islamic Republic of Iran enjoys a prominent scientific position in the region and the world. In sophisticated technologies such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, robotics, medicine, and nuclear science, which are in the monopoly of the developed countries, Iran is a pioneer. The Islamic Republic is the 11th country that has achieved the technology of launching a satellite and the eighth country that has launched a satellite to the earth’s orbit. The Islamic Republic is the only country in West Asia that has the capability of manufacturing satellites. According to the Web of Science database, Iran ranks first in terms of scientific production output among Islamic countries and 15th globally in 2023. The leading research areas for Iran include engineering, chemistry, and materials science.

Gate of All Nations also known as the Gate of Xerxes, is located in the ruins of the ancient city of Persepolis, Iran, ordered by the Achaemenid King Xerxes (486-465BC), the successor of the founder of Persepolis, Darius I the Great. Photo Courtesy of the embassy

Following the national development policy with an emphasis on the realisation of a knowledge-based economy, Iran has successfully built the most diversified economy with the lowest dependence on oil and gas income. In line with the national innovation system, Iran is moving steadily towards a knowledge-based and innovation-based economy and seeks to reinforce its productive capacity, encourage international collaboration to exchange technology and engage more actively in innovative activities to foster economic growth and sustainable development. As the results of all these efforts, Iran ranks 62nd among the 132 economies featured in the Global Innovation Index 2023, sixth among 37 lower-middle-income group economies, and second among the 10 economies in Central and Southern Asia.

In foreign policy, Iran adheres to the principles of independence, mutual respect, human dignity, self-reliance, compliance with international laws, multilateralism, negation of hegemony, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. It also advocates promotion of international understanding through dialogue, and fighting extremism and radicalism that threatens our neighbours and the world.

The history of relations between Iran and Việt Nam can be traced back to the 15th century when the first Iranian merchants travelled to Việt Nam. These early interactions laid the foundation for future connections and paved the way for deeper engagement between the two countries. A noteworthy historical point to mention is that Alexander de Rhodes, founder of the modern Vietnamese alphabet, died and was buried in Isfahan, Iran where many Vietnamese tourists often come to pay tribute to his tomb as part of their itinerary to Iran.

2023 marked a milestone in the course of bilateral relations between Iran and Việt Nam as both countries commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Fifty years of cooperation and friendship between Iran and Việt Nam are defined by deep mutual understanding, high respect and trust, as well as by selfless support for each other, both in good and bad times. The best proof of that is the frequency of high-profile political visits in the past several years. Particularly in the past year, we have witnessed strong development of our bilateral ties through high-ranking visits of H.E. Mr. Vương Đình Huệ, Chairman of the National Assembly in August 2023, and of H.E. General Tô Lâm, Minister of Public Security, in May 2023.

A recordable number of agreements and MoUs between the two countries signed during these visits together with previous deals have provided a proper framework for boosting cooperation in all fields, including trade and economic cooperation, which was emphasised by leaders of the two countries as a major pillar of bilateral relations in the coming time. We are glad to note that despite strong headwinds in the global economy and other challenges, two-way trade between the two countries in 2023 increased by 66 per cent compared to 2022. We do hope that in 2024, this cooperation will be strengthened on the basis of the huge potential of our economies.

Winter snow covers El Goli Park, symbol of Tabriz, Iran. Photo Courtesy of the embassy

In addition, Iran, heir to an ancient civilisation, possesses a rich cultural identity and unique customs. With a variety of historical and natural attractions, a long list of recognised World Heritages, diversity of traditions and hospitality, Iran is heaven for tourists. It is also one of the safest and most secure countries in the region and the world. This may be one of the attractions that lures more and more Vietnamese people to visit Iran as we noted a record of 71 per cent increase in the number of visas issued by the embassy compared to the previous year. It is also believed that thanks to the latest decision of the Government of Iran to waive tourist visas for holders of Vietnamese ordinary passports starting from February 4, 2024, people-to-people exchange and tourism cooperation between the two countries will develop robustly in the coming year.

As we embrace the Dragon New Year celebrations, I look forward to further and deeper co-operation and friendship between our two countries, and to using the relationship and friendship for the betterment of all.

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới to all Vietnamese friends! VNS