Iran expands natural gas sector, ready to secure Asia’s energy supply

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that Iran is now ready to increase the security of Asia’s energy supply as their country expands its natural gas sector.

Addressing the 2nd Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit that was recently held in Thailand, Rouhani said that the Islamic Republic is eager to play an active role in Asian collaborations by taking part in production, developing new markets and providing secure energy.

He also added that Tehran is seeking to become a new hub in rail, air and sea transportation in West Asia through the development of its capacities as well as with an active role in the Eurasian transport network.

“Asia’s power is dependent on self-confidence and a shared will for convergence,” Rouhani said, adding that by connecting the east and west of Asia, the Asia Cooperation Dialogue can help expand economic cooperation and create a promising vision of peace and stability.

Security and stability are the prerequisites for development, as development is imperative for ensuring security and stability, he said.

Rouhani added that Iran stands up strong against the expansion of extremism and terrorism in the region.“We cannot talk about security while ignoring terrorist atrocities in Iraq and Syria, or the bombardment of women and children in Yemen,” he said.

Hassan Rouhani visited Thailand in the final leg of his three-nation tour of Southeast Asia. The Iranian president launched his tour in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. He then went to visit the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur to discuss expansion of trade ties.

An economic delegation accompanied President Rouhani during the visits where a couple of documents on cooperation have already been signed.

Rouhani described Asia as a highly important continent for Iran, adding, “The 21st century belongs to Asia.”