Iran Monthly News Report August 2019
3 Aug 2019, Tasnim
Iran Defense Ministry to Manufacture 470 Auto Parts: MP
The chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s Industries and Mines Commission, Aziz Akbarian said the Defense Ministry has signed a contract with domestic automakers to produce 470 auto parts that were previously imported.
Following efforts by the Iranian administration and the parliament, a contract valued at 16,000 billion rials ($380 million) was signed between the Defense Ministry and domestic automakers. According to the deal, the Defense Ministry’s industries will supply 470 auto parts that were previously imported, the lawmaker said. All of the products due to be manufactured by the Defense Ministry are electronic parts.
Last week, a deputy defense minister said the ministry plans to boost cooperation with domestic companies producing auto parts in a bid to counter economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic’s automotive industry.
Back in January, CEO of Iran’s major car manufacturer Iran Khodro (IKCO) said his company is employing the technology that PSA Peugeot Citroen has brought to Iran although the French automaker has left the country in light of the US sanctions. The IKCO chief said his company tries to continue producing the cars that were to be manufactured jointly under the contract with Peugeot even if the French side does not agree to keep the agreement.
In June 2016, Iran Khodro and the French carmaker
Peugeot-Citroen (PSA) agreed to launch a joint auto company in Tehran under a joint venture worth 400 million euros. But in 2018, the French company reneged on the agreement and decided to obey the US sanctions against Tehran by leaving Iran.
7 Aug 2019, Tasnim
Iran Urges India, Pakistan to Settle Kashmir Conflict Peacefully
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has called on India and Pakistan to adopt peaceful approaches to resolving the tensions in the disputed Kashmir region after New Delhi stripped India-administered Kashmir of special constitutional status.
In a statement in reaction to the latest developments in Jammu and Kashmir, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Wednesday: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has been closely monitoring the Indian government’s recent decisions on Jammu and Kashmir, and is carefully listening to the explanations provided by the Indian and Pakistani officials for the recent developments.” “The Islamic Republic of Iran expects India and Pakistan, as its regional friends and partners, to take effective steps to serve the interests of people of the region by adopting peaceful approaches and dialogue,” Mousavi added.
His comments came after the Indian government revoked the special status of India-administered Kashmir, in a move that risks fueling already heightened tensions with neighboring Pakistan.
Monday's presidential decree revoked Article 370 of India's constitution that guaranteed special rights to the
Muslim-majority state, including its right to its own constitution and decision-making process for all matters except defense, communications and foreign affairs.
In the lead-up to its move, India sent thousands of additional troops to the region, imposing a curfew on parts of it, shutting down telecommunications and arresting political leaders. Both India and Pakistan claim Kashmir in full, but rule it in part.
The two neighbors have fought two of their three wars over the disputed territory.
9 Aug 2019, Financial Tribune
Iran iron ore exports at 17m tons worth $840m last year
Iron ore in the form of fines/lumps had the lion’s share from exports with 8.84 million tons, followed by iron ore concentrate with 5.52 million tons and iron ore pellet with 2.78 million tons.
IMIDRO data show exports of iron ore concentrate, iron ore fines/lumps and iron ore pellet earned $380.95 million, $258.75 million and $201.92 million respectively, meaning $840 million were exported from the country during the month.
12 Aug 2019, Tasnim
Iran, Turkey Reaffirm Commitment to Promote Ties
The presidents of Iran and Turkey highlighted Tehran and Ankara’s resolve to strengthen bilateral ties in all fields of mutual interest.
Rouhani: “The Islamic Republic of Iran is fully ready to deepen ties with Turkey as a friendly and brotherly country.”
-Erdogan: “Ankara is ready to further promote relations with Tehran in all fields.”
13 Aug 2019, Tasnim
Iran, Azeri presidents discuss closer ties
In a telephone conversation with his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev on Tuesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani congratulated the Republic of Azerbaijan’s government and nation on Eid al-Adha.
Rouhani stressed the need for boosting the “friendly and brotherly” relations between the two neighbors. He called for efforts to accelerate the implementation of bilateral agreements.
-Aliyev: “The growing trend of bilateral relations is a result of constant efforts and cordial interaction between Tehran and Baku.” “In one of the trips in 2016, the two sides signed eleven memorandums of understanding and agreements to promote mutual cooperation in a range of fields.”
26 Aug 2019, IRNA
Iran, Russia, South Korea Sign MoU to Cooperate on Cinema
Iran, Russia and South Korea signed Memorandum of Understanding on cinematic cooperation. The MoU was signed in presence of Chairman of the 32nd International Film Festival for Children and Youth Ali Reza Tabesh on the sidelines of the 32nd International Film Festival for Children and Youth underway in Isfahan province.
On importance of signing the MoU, Tabesh said that the three countries will cooperate on joint feature film products, technical know-how, human resources and organizing joint festivals.
He expressed hope for the MoU to open new chapter for multilateral cinematic cooperation. Meanwhile, representative of Seoul Children’s Film Festival said the MoU is of great importance, adding that the meeting is a good opportunity for Eurasian states to prepare the grounds for cultural interactions.
In the meantime Head of “0+” International Film Festival Nikolai Dann referred to tripartite cooperation, saying those countries which are united understand thoughts of one another.
28 Aug 2019, Tasnim
Intelligence Ties with Neighbors A Priority for Iran: Parliament Speaker
Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani described intelligence
cooperation with friendly and neighboring countries as one of the Islamic Republic’s priorities.
Addressing a conference in Tehran on Wednesday, Larijani praised the Intelligence Ministry for the professional handling of issues, stressing the need for constant efforts to foil the enemy’s plots. He also called for the expansion of intelligence cooperation with friendly states. “Friendship and creating connections with the neighbors is one of the priorities for the (Islamic Republic’s) establishment.”
He had also proposed the idea of formation of a special committee to coordinate counterterrorism efforts and share intelligence data to ensure regional security.
28 Aug 2019, Tasnim
Zarif Visits Malaysia
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif flew to Malaysia on Wednesday on the final leg of a tour of Asia. The top Iranian diplomat went to Malaysia after visiting China and Japan. “The close views that Iran and Malaysia’s new government share make it necessary to make arrangements for cooperation in the Islamic world and for Tehran-Kuala Lumpur bilateral relations.”
Zarif arrived in Beijing on Monday and held two rounds of talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. The top Iranian diplomat then travelled to Japan and had meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and with Foreign Minister Taro Kono.
Zarif also delivered a speech at the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA) on Wednesday and met with top officials of the International Friendship Exchange Council (FEC) of Japan. The Iranian minister has traveled to several countries in recent weeks, after being blacklisted by the US government.
Before the tour of Asia, the Iranian top diplomat visited Kuwait, three Scandinavian capitals, and France.
