Speaking to reporters in Tehran on Wednesday before departing for Turkey to attend the 31st session of the UN climate conference, Pezeshkian described the gathering as an important opportunity to discuss climate and regional issues, explain the destructive consequences of the war, and present Iran’s position on the environmental damage inflicted by the US and the Zionist regime on Iran and the region.
He said the conference would bring together representatives of 196 countries, including 71 heads of state or government, adding that his participation follows an official invitation from the Turkish president.
Pezeshkian also said the conference would provide an opportunity to meet and consult with leaders and officials from various countries. Meetings with the leaders and senior officials of more than 10 countries, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have been scheduled.
Referring to relations between Tehran and Ankara, the president described bilateral ties as being at a very good level, noting that the two countries share considerable common ground on regional, economic, social and cultural issues. He said these common interests could play a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations and regional security.
Pezeshkian added that his meetings with other participating leaders would address Iran’s legitimate positions and the crimes committed by the US and Israel in the region. He also pointed to the domestic electoral repercussions of their actions, saying the results of elections in the US, the Israeli regime and Europe have run counter to the positions of warmongers, aggressors and those who falsely profess commitment to democracy and human rights while acting in complete contradiction to those principles.
The Iranian president expressed hope that he would effectively convey the message of the Iranian people and country during the visit and that the trip would produce positive outcomes.
Delegates from nearly 200 countries are meeting in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya as global greenhouse gas emissions show little sign of falling and wars, inflation and other crises compete for political attention.
A UN report last month found the world on course to break through the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit that countries had agreed to pursue under the Paris Agreement to prevent the worst of climate change.