US sanctions on independent states wrong, futile: President Rouhani
President Hassan Rouhani has criticized the United States for the imposition of economic sanctions against independent countries, saying such policy is wrong and futile.
“In the world’s trade and economic system, freedom of trade and economic relations should exist between countries within the framework of international regulations,” President Rouhani said in a meeting with Cuba’s Vice President of the Council of Ministers, Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, in Tehran on Saturday.
Iran and Cuba have both been the target of various US sanctions over the past decades.
President Rouhani also pointed to the issue of terrorism and the intervention of foreign powers in internal affairs of regional countries and said, “It is very important for the Islamic Republic of Iran that regional nations will be able to make decision about their own fate and future without the direct and indirect meddling of foreigners.”
The president emphasized that terrorism poses a danger to all countries in the world and expressed Tehran’s readiness to boost cooperation with friend countries, including Cuba, on major regional and global issues.
He expressed hope that Iran and Cuba, as two key member countries of the Non-Aligned Movement, would strengthen cooperation to bring about positive developments in favor of the organization and its members.
President Rouhani stressed the importance of taking practical steps to expand Tehran-Havana relations in different fields.
He said the two countries should make use of bilateral potential to improve relations, particularly in the sector of economy, after the implementation of the JCPOA.
Meanwhile, Cabrisas handed over a written message by Cuban President Raul Castro to President Rouhani and said Havana calls for the promotion of all-out relations with Tehran.
He said Cuba regards Iran’s success in nuclear negotiations with the six global powers as a victory for the Iranian nation and government as well as all independent countries across the world.
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