HE Dr. Seyed Hossein Sadat Meidani delivers the speech on the Occasion of 46th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran at Rapsodia Hall, the Grand Hotel Bucharest, Romania, on 6 February 2024.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

Note by H.E. Dr. Seyed Hossein Sadat Meidani

Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Romania

 On the Occasion of

46^th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Forty-six years ago, the biggest revolution of the 20^th century was staged in Iran and the Iranians were able to overcome colonialism-like interference. In fact, the Iranians revolted against deeply-embedded grievances resulting from a despotic monarchy that respected no human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as grievances resulting from humiliating pseudo colonialism that interfered in all aspects of Iran’s governance and public life.

10 February 2025 was the 46^th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution in Iran and the National day of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iranians celebrated this day across the country. National days usually are allocated to the date of “independence” or “significant political-social transformations”. The first is almost irrelevant in the case of Iran, since Iran has always been an independent country in the history and there is no “Independence Day”. Iran is one of the oldest countries of the World, dating back to 3200 BCE.

1. Iran’s Achievements

Faced with many formidable challenges from the early days of the revolution, the Islamic Republic has managed to thrive and accomplish tremendous achievements thanks to the resilience, endurance and determination of the Iranian nation in various areas as health and medical treatment, education and literacy, science and technology, human rights, security and defense. Iran is now among the leading countries in sciences as nanotechnology and biotechnology. There are presently 3.2 million students at Iranian universities of whom 50 percent are women, which is suggestive of the effective participation of women and an acceptable gender balance in higher education. And the share of women and minorities in junior and senior managerial roles in government has remarkably increased in line with the policy of engaging all sectors of society in governance processes.

Iran is the second Muslim country in scientific production; our country is now a global pioneer in producing medical isotopes for treating cancer and neurological diseases. And the young Iranian scientists have launched in recent years at least 10 satellites into orbit with indigenous know-how. In 2024, Iran had almost 10,000 Knowledge-based firms, 59 Science and Technology parks and 350 innovation centers. Iran is now among the leading countries in sciences as nanotechnology and biotechnology. There are presently 3.2 million students at Iranian universities of whom 50.20 percent are women.

During the past four decades, Iran’s Human Development Index (HDI) has constantly improved thanks to the State’s social justice and poverty reduction policies and multi-year development plans. The Islamic Republic of Iran has built and further expanded key infrastructure and basic services such as road & transportation, health and education and telecommunication deep into rural and less developed areas.

Iran is the second Muslim country in scientific production. Iran is now a global pioneer in producing medical isotopes for treating cancer and neurological diseases. And the young Iranian scientists have launched in recent years at least 10 satellites into orbit with indigenous know-how.

Today, Iran is among the advanced countries in many scientific and economic fields. Iran ranks 15^th in medicine and 7^th in pharmaceuticals. In terms of science production, Iran is ranked 15^th. In the field of aerospace, it ranks 13^th in the world. Iran currently ranks 9^th in satellite launches, 8^th in Nano-Technology, and 13^th in telecommunication infrastructure. Over the past five years, the value of Iran’s bio-tech products has tripled to reach a staggering 3 billion dollars. Pioneering achievements include the colonization of living organisms and the creation of numerous transgenic animals. Furthermore, Iran has successfully cultivated human tissue on transgenic animals, resulting in its first successful transgenic liver transplant. Iran’s diverse range of nanotechnology companies have revolutionized fields such as food, medicine, electronics, national security, aerospace, computers, energy, and more through cutting-edge advancements in Nano-science. Iran has successfully mastered the technology for the complete nuclear fuel cycle as well as the production of essential radiopharmaceuticals. Additionally, Iran has made significant advancements in nuclear pumped lasers, sophisticated nuclear counting systems and etc.

Despite all the limitations and unilateral sanctions imposed, Iran is now one of the leading countries in the world in the production of medical isotopes for the treatment of diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. Iran ranks among the top countries in areas such as nanotechnology and biotechnology. In recent years, young Iranian scientists have successfully launched at least 10 satellites into space using indigenous technology, despite existing limitations. The latest of these were Hodhod and Kowsar, which were placed in Earth’s orbit in November 2024 with missions for precise mapping and creating a dedicated platform for providing Internet of Things services, primarily aimed at environmental and agricultural goals.

As we are in the Fifth Industrial Revolution or 5IR, which also is the abbreviation of Iran, lets share with specifically about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the sustainable development of Iran. Iran is now striving to integrate AI into governance and everyday life. To achieve this, Iran has adopted a comprehensive National Strategy Document on AI and inaugurated its National AI Organization on 23 July 2024. This initiative aims to position Iran among the top countries employing AI for governance, digital economy, and entrepreneurship. The reports on AI highlights that Iran’s growth rate in AI research and scientific production has significantly accelerated in the recent years. According to one report Iran has gained the 33^rd global ranking in the field of AI. According to another report released by the Web of Science database, Iran is one of the leading countries among the Islamic countries in the field of AI. For example, in Neural Network, Iran is ranked 6 or in Multi-agent System ranked 12 globally.

2. Iran’s Foreign Policy

The main foreign policy goals of the Iranian government are to secure national interests, safeguard national security and expand economic diplomacy. The Islamic Republic of Iran continues to advocate and work for peace and stability in the region on the basis of its principled and responsible stance that entails dialogue and cooperation among the countries of the region.

Last year, the late president Ebrahim Raisi martyred in an Arial crash. May his soul rest in peace. President Pezeshkian was elected subsequently by the Iranian nation and since 31 July 2024, he became the new President of Iran. The main foreign policy goals of the Iranian government are to secure national interests, safeguard national security and expand economic diplomacy. The Islamic Republic of Iran continues to advocate and work for peace and stability in all regions.

In this respect, Iran have deepened its good neighborliness policy and expanded its communications with its neighbors. In the light of a proactive, effective and dynamic foreign policy, Iran has expanded its multilateral interactions with regional organizations such as BRICS, Shanghai, ECO and D-8 as Iran seek a stronger and prosperous region for all.

The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to human rights as enshrined in its constitution, domestic laws as well as in international human rights treaties to which Iran is a party. These rights include, inter alia, the right of people to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly and association. However, as recognized in international law, Iran is firmly determined to ensure its public order and prevent any action against the national security, public order, public health or morals or the rights and freedoms of others.

Iran vision extends to establishing balanced political, economic, and cultural relations with all nations, emphasizing de-escalation, collective security, and the resolution of regional crises. Combatting terrorism and opposing illegal unilateral sanctions are pivotal elements of the foreign policy strategies. Iran is resolute in its pursuit of justice, equality, peace, stability, and the sovereignty of nations. The involvement of foreign powers outside the region, is identified as a source of discord and tension, and its commitment to the security of all countries in the region is unwavering.

Turning to the situation in the Middle East, more than seven decades have passed since the occupation and genocide against Palestinians, a tragic history marked by desecration of Muslim holy places and violation of basic human rights. The Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to supporting the rights and destinies of people worldwide.

In parallel, its peaceful nuclear program has always adhered to international obligations, with continued cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Islamic Republic of Iran upholds negotiation and diplomacy as the preferred means to address concerns about the peaceful nuclear program. It was the United States that withdrew from the JCPOA, with subsequent non-fulfillment of commitments by the Europeans.

3. Iran and Romania

In terms of bilateral relations, the friendship between Iran and Romania is long and strong. Last year in July, the two countries marked 122 years of diplomatic relations. Iran is Romania’s oldest partner in Asia, and the people of the two countries respect and admire each other’s cultures.

In the Economic field also, Iran and Romania have always had good economic and trade relations. While trade between the countries was $174 million in the first ten months of 2024, two countries can do much more this year. Iran is ready to work with Romania to improve trade and cooperation in areas like agriculture, energy, and technology. Iran welcomes the Romanian companies’ investments in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to take steps to expand economic relations between the two countries. In the new international atmosphere, the possibility of economic cooperation in various fields is much wider.

It should be pointed out that there is always the willingness of government of Iran for dialogue on mutually agreed issues and further development of the bilateral relations between the two countries. Iran has always been prepared to engage in good faith and in a constructive manner to resolve any differences through peaceful means. The Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to go forward with enhancing bilateral trade ties.

On this happy occasion, I reiterate to wish that the everlasting friendship will further grow between Iran and Romania and wish for the peace, prosperity and happiness of the peoples of the two countries and the world!

About the author

HE Dr. Seyed Hossein Sadat Meidani

HE Dr. Seyed Hossein Sadat Meidani is the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Romania.