On January 23, President Hassan Rouhani invited oil companies to invest in Iran in an address to some 30 executives at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “Without international engagement, objectives such as growth, creativity and quality are unattainable,” Rouhani said. “We will make use of active foreign policy to achieve economic development.”
On prospects for solving the nuclear dispute, Rouhani said, “We are ready” to make a comprehensive deal. “Of course, this is a long and winding and difficult road. However, if we remain serious and keep the will, we can push through.” Interest in Iran’s oil sector has reportedly grown since sanctions on petrochemicals, precious metals and shipping insurance were lifted on January 20 as part of the interim nuclear deal brokered in November 2013. The following is a full-length video clip of Rouhani’s address followed by tweets of his remarks. Rouhani has acknowledged that his tweets are posted by his “friends.”
Globalization, amid the financial crisis, showed we're all on the same boat. If we don't choose wise ship captains, a storm will harm us all
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Widespread popular protests on all continents showed economic policies should take social justice & interests of everyone into consideration
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Only those policies and systems will endure that benefit the people, and that means all people.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Iran's economy has d potential to be among world's top 10 in next 3 decades, goal I pursue with social, economic, domestic & foreign policy
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014The reality is that among developing countries, and in the Middle East, Iran enjoys one of the highest Human Development Index rates.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014My government is fully prepared and ready to engage with all neighboring countries to achieve shared practical solutions and sustainable...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014..legal regimes on a range of issues such as environment,joint economic projects,trade expansion,realization of Palestinian people's rights,
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014…,tackling the humanitarian crisis in Syria, security of the Persian Gulf as well as fight against terrorism and extremism. #WEF2014
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Peace & security in MidEast:dependent on expansion of econ,social&cultural coop,tourism, valuing private sector& elites' coop at int'l level
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014The crises at the start of the 21st century show that economic factors alone are not enough to provide a better life for people.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014In addition to economic well-being, people need culture, spirituality and ethics. Economics without ethical boundaries will lead to...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014the destruction of a healthy environment for humans, and instead of increasing satisfaction will lead to a race towards greedy consumerism..
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...and the destruction of inter-generational resources.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Common human ethics can be basis for common trend among human societies, bind them together, improve order, security & tranquility.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014As head of my country's government, I am fully aware of how important stability of behavior and policymaking is in governance.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Whether in the domestic or international arena, this is critical for us. This is why regional cooperation has become a priority for us ...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...in the foreign policy arena, and why we seek deep relations with neighboring and friendly countries.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014We intend to re-open trade, industrial and economic relations with all of our neighbors such as Turkey, Iraq, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan,
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...Persian Gulf littoral states, the Caucasus region as well as Central Asia, and begin multilateral and political cooperation.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014We've had history of deep economic&trade ties w/ EU states. W/ implementation of Geneva Agreement, Iran's relations w/ Europe will normalize
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Engagement between Iran & US has also entered a new phase during the past months, and for the first time, politicians from both countries...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...have negotiated, exchanged views and have made decisions to resolve differences in relation to the nuclear issue.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014This is a major development since Iran's Islamic Revolution.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014The people of America have also, like other countries, had contact with hundreds of thousands of Iranian entrepreneurs and scientists...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...in their country's companies and universities, and have witnessed my great nation's cultural maturity and civilizational heritage.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014The Islamic Revolution and the foundation of the Islamic Republic were the result of more than a century of freedom-seeking struggles...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014of the Iranian nation, and this young Republic is growing and flourishing. Therefore, it is necessary that the ruling bodies in the US...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...accept Iran's historical realities not only in words but in actions as well.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014I come from a region of the world which unfortunately is burning in the flames of insecurity and violence. Even though my country is...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...experiencing a new chapter of security&hope, thanks to its national solidarity and religious democracy & despite external pressures...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...we cannot be indifferent to the pain & suffering of our fellow brethren in region. Violence and terrorism is a fire in human society...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...which doubtlessly will engulf those who ignite it.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014It is true that extremism & violence gets its rank-and-file from the army of the hungry and the unemployed. Thus I believe ...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...that the fundamental approach to fighting terrorism should commence with development.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Only through cultural improvement & job-creation is it possible to replace suicidal hopelessness with hope for the future...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014... and use faith in God to serve humankind instead of destroying it.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Main problem w/ the governance of despotic leaders is their distance from their peoples, and how they manage their economies & societies...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...by relying on foreigners. The people who don't see themselves as part of this management revolt against this oppression...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...while the terrorists take advantage of this situation to recruit the oppressed to their unholy cause.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014I believe that the security of the world is intertwined with the security of the Middle East.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014The security of this region cannot be achieved by disregarding its peoples.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Thus, in order to have global security, it's necessary to hear voices of people of region & create jobs&hope among youths in these countries
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014I strongly believe that the path to security passes through culture, ethics and development. However, if we want everyone to work towards..
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014creating security, everybody should feel secure;feeling insecure&deprived of one’s rights is a motivation for rising up agnst unjust systems
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014creating security, everybody should feel secure;feeling insecure&deprived of one’s rights is a motivation for rising up agnst unjust systems
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Thus, in reshaping the international community, we have to make sure that all nations feel they enjoy equal opportunities for economic...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...and social development, and see competition as fair and based on merits.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014It's necessary for a safe&developed int'l community that everyone benefits from economic freedom& right to determine their political destiny
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Indeed, any type of limitation and economic sanction will instead of aiding understanding and common security merely exacerbate divergence.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014If development is necessary for security, having access to knowledge and technology is also necessary for development.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Creating obstacles in the way of the development of nations will only add to animosities and cynicism, and ultimately fail.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014This is why Iran, in pursuing nuclear energy program,has never sought nor seeks anything other than peaceful applications of this technology
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014and will not accept any obstacles on the way of its scientific progress.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Accordingly, those who are under the influence of propaganda & still believe that Iran is seeking to implement its power through creating...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014fear and threats, or develop nuclear weapons, to them I strongly & clearly declare that nuclear weapons and resorting to force...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...have no place in our security strategy, and that Iran has no motivation to move in that direction.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014A look at history also clearly shows that Iran has in the past centuries never launched any invasions or aggression and only engaged...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...in active defense against threats and direct and indirect invasions.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014What Iran's done so far is aimed at consolidating its key role as factor for peace,stability& security& its effective position in int'l coop
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Any time Iran witnesses a real and palpable change in animosity towards it, Iran will accordingly respond positively.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Example of which was seen in regards to nuclear issue & developments taken place during these past 5 months in which I've been in office
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014What was achieved during recent negotiations was result of determination to reach consensual agreement, displayed by main parties #WEF2014
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014After ten years of insisting and stressing on an illogical and incorrect position, finally, our counterparts reached the conclusion that...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...the Iranian nation will under no condition give up its right to access peaceful nuclear technology, and that the continuation of...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...pessimism and the imposition and intensifying of sanctions will have no results except direct and indirect costs for all parties.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014My proposal for a World Against Violence & Extremism (WAVE), which I presented during the recent #UNGA meeting on behalf of ...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...the great #Iranian nation, and was unanimously approved by the international community, is founded on a common ethical base.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014This is that all people from whatever religion, race, tongue and nationality, in their essence desire dignity, mercy and moderation...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...and detest extremism and the killing of innocents and the violators of the rights of others. Therefore, we should all join this WAVE ...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...and stand up against violators of the rights of the oppressed and portray globalization through the implementation of universal ethics.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014I view friendly & sustainable relations with other states based on a belief in prudent moderation, divine faith & constructive engagement.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014I also believe in engagement in the economic arena on an equal and fair basis, within the framework of a multilateral trade system. #WEF2014
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Iran is prepared to engage in const've coop in promoting global energy security by relying on its vast resources in framework of mutual ints
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014We are prepared to engage in a serious process to establish reliable institutions for this long-term partnership. #WEF2014 @davos
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014I'd like to invite all distinguished participants to travel to #Iran & witness extensive fields for investment& joint security-building coop
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014To explore Iran's private&public sector, become familiar w/ our culture & civilisation, & experience Iranian hospitality first-hand #WEF2014
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014Only through engagement, coop, mutual understanding as well as growth in industrial technology and the economy...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014...can we provide a better life for our peoples, make peace sustainable and create a World Against Violence and Extremism. #WAVE
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 23, 2014