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TEHRAN \u2013 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi participated in the 10th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Global Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The event, marking the 20th anniversary of the UNAOC, focused on the theme \u201cUnited in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future \u2014 Reflecting on Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n
The forum gathered diplomats and leaders from around the globe to discuss pressing global challenges, emphasizing the need for increased understanding and cooperation among nations, cultures, and religions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before the forum officially began, foreign ministers and heads of delegations posed for a commemorative group photograph, symbolizing their shared commitment to the forum’s mission.\u00a0<\/p>\n
During the high-level sessions, Minister Araghchi delivered a comprehensive address outlining Iran\u2019s stance on international peace and security. He also highlighted regional developments, such as ongoing conflicts and the necessity of global cooperation to address shared challenges.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The forum, which concludes on Wednesday, is expected to adopt a final statement underscoring international priorities, including fostering cultural and religious harmony, combating hate speech and racism, addressing Islamophobia, and promoting peace as a universal value. \u00a0<\/p>\n
On the sidelines of the forum, Minister Araghchi held several bilateral meetings to reinforce Iran\u2019s commitment to constructive diplomacy and regional stability. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Tehran, Sarajevo hold bilateral talks<\/strong><\/p>\n In his first meeting, Araghchi engaged with Elmedin Konakovic, the Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina.\u00a0<\/p>\n The discussions focused on shared interests and the potential for enhanced bilateral and multilateral cooperation.\u00a0<\/p>\n Araghchi emphasized Iran\u2019s ongoing dedication to fostering stronger ties, particularly with Islamic nations, and highlighted Iran\u2019s readiness to expand collaborations across various sectors. \u00a0<\/p>\n Addressing the region\u2019s current crises, Araghchi condemned the actions of the Zionist regime in West Asia, including its aggression against Lebanon and the ongoing plight of Palestinian Muslims.<\/p>\n He stressed the urgency of mobilizing international efforts to halt these violations and ensure justice and security for affected populations. \u00a0<\/p>\n Since October 2023, the Gaza Health Ministry reports that the death toll in Gaza has reached 44,249 Palestinians, with over 104,746 others injured.<\/p>\n Israel, which has been engaged in military campaigns against Gaza and Lebanon, is now facing genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).<\/p>\n Additionally, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity.<\/p>\n Iran, Slovenia discuss international issues<\/strong> He reiterated Iran\u2019s principled stance on engagement and multilateral cooperation, underscoring the importance of adhering to recognized international norms. \u00a0<\/p>\n In his remarks, Araghchi criticized sanctions and unilateral pressures as both ineffective and contrary to the UN Charter.\u00a0<\/p>\n He urged collective efforts to confront shared challenges and called for global responsibility, particularly among countries supporting Israel, to halt the regime’s violations and its threat to regional peace. \u00a0<\/p>\n Fajon, recognizing Iran\u2019s pivotal role in West Asia, echoed the need for greater international collaboration to prevent further instability and insecurity in the region. \u00a0<\/p>\n Solidarity among UN states necessary to halt Israeli crimes: Araghchi<\/strong><\/p>\n In another bilateral meeting, Araghchi held talks with Spanish Foreign Minister Jos\u00e9 Manuel Albares.\u00a0<\/p>\n He emphasized the necessity of solidarity among UN member states to prevent the ongoing genocide by the Zionist regime in Lebanon and Gaza. \u00a0<\/p>\n Through his participation and bilateral meetings, Minister Araghchi showcased Iran\u2019s proactive role in addressing global issues and fostering dialogue as a path to peace.\u00a0<\/p>\n The UNAOC was founded in response to mutual suspicion, fear and polarisation between Muslim countries and Western societies, with the understanding that only a broad coalition could prevent the situation from deteriorating further, which had begun to threaten international stability.<\/p>\n The UNAOC aims to counteract this trend through mutual respect among diverse cultures.<\/p>\n Under the UN framework, the UNAOC Friends Group, which includes countries and international organizations, has grown to 158 members.<\/p>\n The UNAOC summit was initiated by Jos\u00e9 Luis Rodr\u00edguez Zapatero, the former Prime Minister of Spain, during the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2005.<\/p>\n The UNAOC\u2019s highest level political activities are the periodic Global Forums.<\/p>\n The previous Global Forum took place in Fes, north-eastern Morocco, on 22-23 November, 2022.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Araghchi also met with Slovenia\u2019s Foreign Minister, Tanja Fajon, to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and broader international issues, including Iran-Europe relations.\u00a0<\/p>\n