Iran seeks to become one of world's top 10 economies

The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, on Thursday said that Iran is determined to lay the groundwork for his country to become one of the world's top 10 economies in coming years, and intends to develop peaceful and normalized relationships with its immediate neighbours and internationally. "All countries that Iran has officially recognized are within this circle. We want to see a better future and peace with all. I want to integrate Iran as an active and peaceful player in the global community," he said to participants at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2014.He delivered a message of "friendship, engagement, cooperation and peaceful coexistence" President Rouhani said that the events in the global economy over the past six years have shown that no nation can live alone. "No business can achieve sustainable growth without adhering to social responsibilities and no power can regard its domination as permanent," he said. "Globalization has shown in the global crisis that we are all in the same boat. If we do not choose wise captains, the storm will harm us all." At the same time President Rouhani emphasized that Iran will not accept being discriminated against as it develops nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. Pointing to the success of his government in reaching a nuclear deal last November with the P5+1, comprising the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China and Germany, Rouhani said that he does not see any "insurmountable obstacles or impediments" in reaching a comprehensive nuclear deal in the future"."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. "Countries are allowed to engage in peaceful activity under supervision. Forty countries have dual use of nuclear technology. Iran will not accept being discriminated against." "My view of social, economic and political issues is one of prudent moderation," he said. "The people of Iran opted for this approach and now they are demanding its implementation. The Iranian people's choice has been welcomed in the region and internationally." Rouhani acknowledged that Syria has been engulfed in a major catastrophe and that its people have borne the brunt. "It is a miserable situation and very sad. But we have to be sad and concerned about the presence of terrorists, ruthless killers who kill innocent bystanders and fight among themselves," he said. "We should work together to push terrorists out of Syria" and called on all nations to create conducive conditions in Syria for free and fair elections.He added that it is important to pave the way for the Syrian opposition to sit around the table with the government.The Annual Meeting 2014 is taking place from 22 to 25 January under the theme, The Reshaping of the World: Consequences for Society, Politics and Business. Participating this year are over 2,500 leaders from nearly 100 countries, including 300 public figures, 1,500 business leaders and representatives from civil society, academia, the media and arts.