31^st National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran

31^st National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran was celebrated in Mumbai. The programme was organized at the Consulate premises on Thursday, 11^th February 2010. The programme was attended by some of the diplomatic corps of Mumbai and other dignitaries which included Mr. Sumit Mullick, Principal Secretary and Chief Protocol Officer and Mr. Sailesh Bijoor, Jt. Secretary and Joint Chief of Protocol of the Government of Maharashtra.

The programme started at 19.30 hr and the national anthems of India and Iran was played at 20.00 hr. which was followed by brief speech by Mr. S. Mullick and Mr. Ali Mohammadi, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai.

Mr. S. Mullick remembered the historical relations between India and Iran which dates back to 5000 years and expected that the strong bonds of these two countries will be further strengthened in coming years.

The excerpts of Mr. Mohammadi’s speech are as follows:

In the Name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful

Respected Mr. Sumit Mullick, Principal Secretary &

Chief Protocol Officer and

Mr. Sailesh Bijoor, Joint Secretary and Joint Chief Protocol Officer, Government of Maharashtra

Honourable Consular Corps and Honourary Heads of the Missions

Respected Guests, Ladies & Gentlemen:

I warmly welcome you all on the auspicious occasion of the 31^st Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.

          31 years ago soon after the Islamic Revolution was successfully brought about in Iran the entire Iranian population by a free and fair referendum of 99.8% overthrew the royal Pahlavi dynasty and established the Islamic Republic of Iran.

I am elated that the 10^th Presidential election was held in June last year in Iran and the turnout in this election was over 85% percents. This was an unprecedented election in the present or probably in the last century which witnessed such a huge participation. Holding the election on such a scale created the sense of proud across the different social and political sections of my country which is obvious for each and every analyst.

Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in line with its development policies, drew up the 20 year Vision Plan for advancement of the country within four ‘5-Years development plans’. As the result of implementation of the said Vision Plan, if God is Willing, Iran will emerge as a developed country in 2025 and enjoying high status in economic, scientific and technical fields in the region and will play an interactive and constructive role in the international relations.

One of the biggest challenges the world is facing today is the problem of terrorism. Islamic Republic of Iran since beginning is the victim of the internal and external terrorism and a large number of its officials and citizens have been killed in numerous attacks. Iran always demanded that this shameful act should be tackled logically and not selectively at the whims of some countries.

Another international phenomenon is the problem of drugs which is being used in various forms across the world. Islamic Republic of Iran due to its geographical location with its neighbours which are producing the raw material for drugs, has suffered substantial human and financial losses in fighting and destroying the drug smuggling and distribution gangs. Moreover, Iran does not receive any international aid to fight this menace. 

 As for the nuclear energy, the Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly declared that its nuclear programme is for peaceful and civilian purposes only. Iran has always cooperated with the nuclear watchdog agency – IAEA and will continue to do so. Iran follows the religion of Islam which prohibits the killings and genocides in any forms. Iran has already declared that the nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction do not have any place in its Defense Doctrine.

Considering the international awakening, we believe that the period of threatening and intimidating have become out dated. The superpowers now have to rethink about their inimical policies towards the other countries. Iran has called for the setting up an “International Front” for establishing the peace and justice in the 21^st century.

During recent years we witnessed the exchange of visits of high ranking officials as well as trade delegations between India and Iran. Our countries have the potentials for further progress and strengthening the relations in various fields for improving the fast developing economic situations of India and Iran. The trade between India and Iran has reached 12 billion dollars mark and is expected to touch the 20 billion dollars in coming years. Economies of both the countries have the capabilities to fulfill the needs of each other.

While concluding, I pray Allah, the Almighty for the success of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Government of the Republic of India in their efforts for further strengthening of their relations, prosperity and well being of the two nations.

Thank you.