President: Strait of Hormuz, A Key Maritime Passage with a Special Role in Regional and Global Security
In a message on the occasion of World Maritime Day, the President, that security and development are inseparable from one another .
Masoud Pezeshkian, in a message on the occasion of World Maritime Day, did not regard the sea as merely a body of water for the great Iran, but described it as a divine blessing and a part of the history, identity, and life of this land, and one of the most important capacities of the country's present and future.
Referring to the fact that a better understanding of the seas, the development of modern technologies, the enhancement of maritime safety, the utilization of marine energy capacity, and the protection of marine ecosystems constitute investment in the country's future and future generations, the President stated: "It is also the government's duty to pave the way for greater presence of the people and the private sector by reducing obstacles, facilitating processes, coordinating institutions, improving infrastructure, and providing the groundwork for participation and investment."
Referring to the special position of the Strait of Hormuz in the security and economy of the region and the world, Pezeshkian emphasized a responsible outlook based on preserving the stability and interests of the region's countries, saying: "The sustainable security of the Persian Gulf and its waterways depends on the cooperation and responsibility of the region's countries. The powerful presence in the waterways over the past year is testimony to the high resolve of the seafarers who did not allow the pulse of the country's vital arteries to stop for a moment, and demonstrated that coordination among the government, the private sector, and security forces can remove obstacles from the path."
The full text of the President's message reads as follows:
For our great Iran, the sea is not merely a body of water, but a divine blessing and a part of the history, identity, and life of this land, and one of the most important capacities of the country's present and future.
The Iranian nation has long lived with the sea, communicated with the world through it, and utilized its capacities for trade, development, and progress. Today as well, the sea and the maritime industry constitute one of the important foundations of economic growth, regional development, employment, and connection with the world.
Our country, with its extensive coastlines in the north and south, and its position on important regional communication routes, is among the hubs of maritime economy, trade, and navigation in the world, and throughout history, thanks to the high resolve of seafarers, we today hold a valuable position in this industry and can transfer our experiences to others.
On this path, security and development are inseparable from one another; the security of the sea, ports, and communication lines provides the groundwork for the flow of trade and economic activity, and economic development leads to the strengthening of the country's position and national capability. The Islamic Republic, relying on the capability and experience of its naval forces and all stakeholders in the maritime arena, seriously pursues its responsibility in preserving the security and stability of the region's waterways and ensuring the security of shipping and maritime trade.
The Strait of Hormuz, as one of the most important maritime passages, holds a special position in the security and economy of the region and the world. Our outlook toward this strategic waterway is responsible and based on preserving the security, stability, and interests of the region's countries. Our belief is that the sustainable security of the Persian Gulf and its waterways depends, above all, on the cooperation, responsibility, and role-playing of the region's countries.
The powerful presence in the waterways over the past year is testimony to the high resolve of the men who did not allow the pulse of the country's vital arteries to stop for a moment. The country's maritime community demonstrated that coordination among the government, the private sector, and security forces can remove obstacles from the path.
Alongside economy and security, we must also view the sea as an important arena for science and environmental protection. The future of sea-based development is not possible without universities, research, technology, and serious attention to the marine environment. A better understanding of the seas, the development of modern technologies, the enhancement of maritime safety, the utilization of marine energy capacity, and the protection of marine ecosystems constitute investment in the country's future and future generations.
In our belief, the private sector, shipping companies, the fishing community, port and maritime industry activists, universities and scientific centers, and coastal communities each play an effective role. It is also the government's duty to pave the way for greater presence of the people and the private sector by reducing obstacles, facilitating processes, coordinating institutions, improving infrastructure, and providing the groundwork for participation and investment.
Today, more than ever, we need a connection between science, experience, executive capability, and popular capacities, so that through the synergy of all institutions and sectors, we can elevate the country's position in the maritime economy and regional and international relations.
Congratulating this day to all seafarers and strivers in this field and their families, I honor the memory of all the martyrs of the maritime arena and the seafarers who lost their lives in the line of duty, and I beseech honor and prosperity for our dear Iran.
Masoud Pezeshkian
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
