Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for expanded cooperation with Switzerland, stressing that diplomatic dialogue and engagement can help improve international understanding of Iran and correct misconceptions about the Islamic country.
President Pezeshkian made the remarks on Tuesday, during a ceremony to receive the credentials of Georg Steiner, Switzerland’s newly appointed ambassador to Iran.
Highlighting the longstanding friendly relations between Tehran and Bern, the president said Switzerland’s positions on international issues, particularly humanitarian affairs and support for global peace, were worthy of respect. He expressed hope that both countries would make greater use of existing opportunities to strengthen cooperation across various fields.
President Pezeshkian also pointed to inaccurate perceptions of Iran and its people in some European societies, saying such views were sometimes shaped by one-sided approaches rather than an understanding of realities on the ground.
He called on the new ambassador to promote closer engagement, more diplomatic exchanges and a better understanding of Iran’s history, culture and civilization, helping present a more accurate picture of the country in international forums.
Reaffirming Iran’s commitment to regional peace and stability, President Pezeshkian said Tehran had consistently prioritized peaceful relations and stronger ties with neighboring countries. However, he added that actions by the United States and the Israeli regime had undermined regional stability, a situation he said was unacceptable to regional nations and the international community.
The president also referred to his meeting with his Swiss counterpart on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, describing it as an opportunity to advance bilateral relations.
Steiner, for his part, expressed appreciation for the meeting and pledged to make every effort to strengthen ties between the two countries.
He noted that regional tensions had consequences extending far beyond the region, affecting the international community, and said he would work to help restore peace and stability through constructive diplomacy.