For over four centuries, Iran and Thailand have always had a very friendly relationship.
Contact between the two civilisations was first established about 420 years ago, when a merchant and religious scholar known as Sheikh Ahmad Gumi travelled to Siam, initiating cultural, religious and people-to-people relations between the nations.
The scholar, who was also known as Sheikh Ahmad of Qom, held various key political and religious posts during the Ayutthaya period. But more importantly, he introduced Persian and Islamic culture to Thailand -- a key turning point in the shared history of the two countries.
Today, Iran and Thailand will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The commemoration of these long-standing cordial relations coincides with the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
The success of the revolution, which happened on Feb 11, 1979, is considered one of the most important moments in the socio-political development of Iran in its contemporary history.
As such, on Feb 11 of every year, the entire nation of Iran celebrates the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution to pay our respects to the founder of the Islamic Republic, the late Imam Khomeini, and those who were martyred in the pursuit of the key objectives of the revolution -- independence, freedom, and the establishment of an Islamic Republic.
The revolution brought down an imperial, dictatorial regime which had the support of the world's superpowers.
This was not only a new chapter in Iran's history but one of the great wonders of the modern world.
These nationwide celebrations aren't just about remembering the past, it is about embracing the present, and dreaming about the future.
In the face of hardships and obstacles, the Islamic Republic has managed to accomplish tremendous achievements, thanks to the resilience and determination of the Iranian nation, in various areas such as health, education and literacy, as well as science and technology.
Iran is moving ahead with its development plan for the prosperity and well-being of our nation.
Despite cruel sanctions, Iran is among the leaders in various scientific fields such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, satellite production, stem cell research, robotic surgery, as well as steel, chemical, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical production.
Much of this success is driven by our talented scientists working with almost 10,000 knowledge-based enterprises and startups in the country. Iran is now a global pioneer in producing medical isotopes for cancer treatment and neurological diseases.
Young Iranian scientists have launched at least 10 satellites into orbit in recent years, all with indigenous know-how.
There are presently 3.2 million students at Iranian universities, about 50.2% of whom are women, which indicates equal gender participation and balance in higher education. Also, the share of women in senior managerial roles within the government has also increased remarkably.
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.
Turning to the situation in the Middle East, the recent genocide against Palestinians, which has caused the death of thousands of innocent people in Gaza and Lebanon, is a flagrant violation of basic humanitarian law.
We congratulate the Kingdom of Thailand on the recent release of five Thai nationals from Hamas' custody. We would also like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to their families.
Our government, in particular our foreign minister, was in close contact with Thailand's foreign minister to facilitate their release. Of course, this could have happened much sooner if the genocide against the Palestinian people had stopped earlier.
The cultural ties between Iran and Thailand have deepened as we commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations. A common logo has been designed to be used on this auspicious occasion as a symbol of our cordial ties.
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for Iranian tourists. In 2024, more than 50,000 Iranians visited Thailand. Thailand is an important country for Iran; therefore, we are very keen to expand bilateral cooperation in cultural, political and economic relations, including the expansion of tourism between the two countries.
The relations between Iran and Thailand in international forums, such as the UN and other multilateral organisations, are very cooperative. Iran also supported the membership of Thailand in the UN's Human Rights Council.
In June 2024, the Foreign Minister of Thailand, with his delegation, participated in the 19th Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting in Tehran. Last year, at the 3rd ACD Summit, President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Iran also supported Thailand's Brics membership.
We are hopeful that with the goodwill and support of the governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Thailand, we will witness the further development of flourishing bilateral relations in all dimensions.
Finally, as the Islamic Republic of Iran and Royal Thai Government celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations and the auspicious occasion of the 72nd birthday or Sixth Cycle anniversary of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran avails itself of this opportunity to offer to His Majesty King Rama X, the Royal Thai Government and the very respectful people of Thailand, assurances of the highest esteem.
Nassereddin Heidari is Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Thailand.