Iran woos global investors; says no desire for nuclear weapons

Energy-rich Iran today sought to allay fears over its controversial nuclear programme and invited global investors to visit the nation to explore opportunities in its bid to normalise relations with the West.
Reaching out with the message of "friendship and peaceful co-existence", Iranian President Hassan Rouhani today said his country wants to engage with the world and declared it never desired to have nuclear weapons.
Rouhani told the World Economic Forum here that Tehran was ready to open up to Western investments and offered constructive cooperation in promoting global energy security.
Addressing the forum, the first major global platform after initiation of talks between Iran and the US, Rouhani said everybody should stand up against perpetrators of violence. "Iran has never desired a nuclear weapon in the past or one in the future. But we are not willing to give up our peaceful technology," he said.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to engage in constructive cooperation in promoting global energy security by relying on its vast energy resources in a framework of mutual interest," he added.
Iran, part of Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has started implementing a nuclear deal with world powers, a step towards a settlement that could lead to the end of crippling sanctions.

Noting that Iran is ready to engage with neighbours, Rouhani said the "best solution is to organise free and fair elections in Syria".
Expressing sadness over Syria situation, Rouhani said Iran believes everyone should first try to put a full stop to this violence. "We are helping Syrians and everyone should contribute to help them," he added.

He also invited WEF participants to visit Iran to explore 'tremendous opportunities'. "Peace in Middle East is very important and this goes beyond economic issues... We intend to open trade and industrial relations with all our neighbours and countries in central Asia.
"We also have deep ties with Europe. Engagements between Iran and the US has also entered into a new phase last month," Rouhani said.