Iran says it is committed to do what it takes to help with the sustainable development of West Asian economies. 

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani told world leaders at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in New York that Iran is already pursuing a balanced approach toward the economic development of the whole region – an approach that he said also takes note of the common environmental concerns.   

Rouhani said an intensive campaign has been devised to the same effect that is based on multiple mechanisms that include training children, a more efficient management of water resources and reviving endangered lakes.  

He further said that terrorism and violence have already sustained a major blow to the economies of West Asia. 

He voiced concern that this could lead to further poverty and environmental destruction in the region.

Rouhani emphasized that the Islamic Republic is ready for what he described as a constructive cooperation to help materialize a sustainable economic development of the region. 

For this to happen, he said, Tehran is ready to share its knowledge with others on this area and also participate in joint academic projects.  

Rouhani further added that the recent breakthrough between Iran and the P5+1 over the Iranian nuclear energy program has already prepared the ground for expansion of cooperation over regional and international issues, especially the common environmental concerns.  

He said that the materialization of post-2015 development goals will not be possible unless the shares of all countries in the current environmental disasters as well as their responsibilities to undo the harm are determined.