Qatar proposes Gulf-Iran 'economic interdependence' as path to long-term stability

Majed Al Ansari, a senior adviser to Qatar's Prime Minister, has proposed that economic interdependence between Iran and Gulf nations could lead to long-term security in the region. Speaking at the Concordia Annual Summit in New York, Mr. Al Ansari emphasized the importance of economic interests and security guarantees in reducing the likelihood of future conflicts.

He noted that with Iran and the Gulf region housing a combined population of 90 million people, it is inevitable that the two groups will need to live alongside each other, regardless of Iran's political landscape. Al Ansari stressed the need for diplomatic solutions that have a sustainable impact on regional dialogue, underlining that economic interdependence has not occurred since the region's inception.

Currently, the Gulf nations remain largely isolated economically from Iran, which could be altered by fostering greater economic ties between the two sides. By creating a scenario where the prosperity of Iran's people is linked to the security and well-being of the Gulf states, Al Ansari argues that a more collaborative relationship between the two regions could be established.

The diplomat called for a "new mindset" in relations with Iran, advocating for discussions about the region's future to take place not only between Tehran and Arab states, but also between Iran and Gulf countries.