Dialogue is the best way to promote understanding among nations and communities. Without dialogue, no knowledge and understanding may be reached. Lack of dialogue will lead to misunderstanding, wrong impression, creation of a distorted image and negative idea. In order to curb the language and logic of force, we need to speak with the language of logic. While dialogue breeds cooperation and interaction, lack of dialogue and logic will be inevitably followed by hostility and confrontation.
Europe is the clear example and practical manifestation of both dialogue (constructive interaction) and non-logical approach (hostility). After many centuries of useless and bloody tension and confrontations, since half a century ago, Europe has served as a successful example of interaction and cooperation, which are indebted to dialogue and understanding. The European Union and its affiliated organizations are considered as the main outcome of the same dialogue.
In fact, the desire of human beings to follow the path of dialogue, understanding and interaction put an end to centuries of useless conflicts and massacre of millions of people leading to the establishment of peace and stability among the member-states. Based on the same approach, currently the EU is trying to promote its relations with other states and regional blocs. Now we face this question that whether the time is not ripe for the establishment of relations between Europe and the Islamic Republic of Iran based on dialogue and cooperation as well as equal status and rights?
Iran is an important country historically and geographically with a pivotal position in the Muslim world as well as in the sensitive regions of Persian Gulf, the Middle East and the Caspian Sea. Consequently, it is able to play an undeniable role in regional and international developments and in establishing peace and stability. With such a great position and potential, Iran is naturally a reliable partner and an influential party for all sides and responsible international players. On this basis, we believe that the Islamic Republic of Iran and EU can form a proper framework for establishing a vast cooperation guaranteeing the mutual interests at both regional and international levels through constructive cooperation, constant consultations, observance of the principles of mutual respect and common interests, noninterference in the internal affairs of one another and loyalty to commitments.
Without any doubt, this will not only provide the mutual interests and consolidate the amity between the people of Iran and Europe, but will also be effective in promoting international peace and stability and regional security and welfare.
Iran and Europe enjoy very good capacities for cooperation. Today, on the basis of a new model of dialogue, the Islamic Republic of Iran and EU can define their relations based on a win-win policy. In our opinion, what is now going on between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the EU can be changed into subjects for cooperation rather than challenging subjects. Therefore, in order to start a constructive interaction and fresh cooperation, we need a common paradigm; a paradigm agreed upon by both parties.
Post-revolution Iranian foreign policy has always been revolving around dialogue and the approach towards establishment of “justice and spirituality based on peace and tranquility“. This dialogue and approach have been valued and respected especially by the present government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Europe, which has always been seeking democracy during recent centuries, and the Islamic Republic of Iran as a democratic political system, which is the outcome of a popular revolution, can use the factor of democracy as the common factor for dialogue and paradigm of their mutual cooperation. Establishment and development of democracy in the crisis-stricken and unstable Middle East region from Palestine to Afghanistan can be used as the main subject for real dialogue, interaction and cooperation between Iran and Europe. It goes without saying that the above-mentioned factor is of software nature and can prepare the ground for further cooperation in other areas.
Four basic components can form the main pillars of the common paradigm of Iran and the EU. These components are Democracy, Security, Energy and Economic Cooperation respectively.
The first component that is democracy has software applications and aspects can play a key role in relations between Iran and the EU so that we can change the challenges into points and grounds of cooperation. The prerequisite to the acceptance of democracy as a common component in the paradigm of cooperation is respecting the democracy, being committed to the requirements and outcomes of democracy, and refraining from adopting double standards. Based on such an approach, one can find democratic solutions to many problems and challenges by recognizing the sovereignty of countries.
Security in different aspects is the most important and tangible need and demand of Europeans and is a matter of concern for both Iran and Europe. Therefore, it can be another component in the paradigm of cooperation between Iran and Europe. Today terrorism, narcotics, immigration, etc. are problems which may affect the security of the parties. The nature of these challenging threats can be changed and they can be turned into cooperation, too. We think that in combating such threats and costs caused by them, we can lower the costs and gain the interests together through healthy cooperation with one another.
In addition to the psychological need for security, another serious and practical need is facing Europe which is its dire need for energy and the need to diversify relevant resources. The need which can be met by Iran due to its huge hydrocarbon reserves and its location in the economic and energy crossroads.
In fact, one of the most important topics and cooperation grounds between Iran and the EU which can guarantee the future of cooperation between the two sides for the upcoming decades is the vital and strategic supply of energy.
Energy and security are two main subjects based on which the dialogue of cooperation between Iran and Europe may be embarked on and its outcome put into action. At the same time, we can develop the range of cooperation in the desired areas like trade and commerce which shall be in the interest of our peoples. Hardware capacities, rich natural resources, the vast territory of Iran and its geopolitical situation along with its software capacities and especially human resources are considered as very suitable factors which may be used and exploited in this respect.
Today we enjoy good talks and cooperation with some countries at bilateral levels about these four components and there is a good potential to institutionalize the same cooperation with the European Union. We believe we can open a new chapter in mutual cooperation. In the beginning of this trend, we may remove some misunderstandings by resuming bilateral talks and then reach common points for cooperation and even come up with a plan for strategic relations between Iran and Europe.
On the other hand, regional and international issues which are of interest and concern to both parties can be turned into common agenda for cooperation and interaction. One of these issues is the issue of dialogue among cultures. Cultural and religious dialogue can bring our views much closer to each other and further clarify our commonalties. Common human nature and its relevant common values are considered as suitable ground for cooperation among human societies and the dialogue will provide the human societies with different civilizations and approaches with the opportunity to become further familiar with each others’ cultures and views in order for them to help each other to reach real growth and promotion. Therefore, naming the year 2008 as the “Year of Dialogue of Cultures“ by the EU and the European Parliament (its Iranian version is the “Dialogue of Civilizations“) is a good idea in this respect and we hope that this dialogue can be considered as a paramount step in further promotion of peace, tranquility and welfare in favor of all human beings. We also hope that exchange of views will be efficient in prevention of development of violence and injustice.
Anyway, dialogue and interaction in all its forms and in all fields, including political, cultural and economic ones, are the dire need of humanity and human societies. Without dialogue, its rival, namely confrontation, will supersede. And confrontation is not acceptable to any wise man, youthful society and responsible government.