In pursuit of the so-called principles, Iran has put forward and launched many initiatives to bring peace and stability among the countries of its region and other parts of the world(See Aalso Current Events).

I) Peace-Making Initiatives

After Soviet disintegration in 1991, a number of conflicts and clashes broke out between and in some cases within some of the newly Independent states of central Asia. Iran as a country at the centre of south-west Asia which links the middle east to central and east Asia and transcaucasia, with an important role in maintenance of the peace and stability and determining the future of the region, has been the most responsible country to make efforts to bring peace in the region. So in all cases of conflicts Iran tried to mediate between the parties of the so-called crises.

Gharabaq and Tajikestan Crises: In Gharabaq Crisis and Tajikistan internal clashes, Iran mediated between the fighting parties and could get them together on negotiating table to find a peaceful solution for their differences. In both cases the parties agreed to cease-fire and continue their talks.

Afghanistan: Following the escalation of internal hostilities in Afghanistan, by the initiative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a Regional Conference of Afghanistan was held in Tehran on 29-30 October 1996. The Foreign Minister and special envoys of India, Islamic Republic of Iran, People's Republic of China, Republic of kazakhstan, Republic of Kyrghizystan, Republic of Tadjikistan, Republic of Turkey, Russian Federation and Turkmenistan, as well as the special representatives of the Secretaries-General of the united Nations and the Organization of the Islamic Conference and observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the European Union participated in the Conference.

After two days of meetings and extensive consultations of the various aspects of the situation in Afghanistan, particularly in light of the recent developments, the conference issued Declaration in which the participating countries expressed their concern at the escalation of armed hostilities in Afghanistan, which has resulted in immense human losses and irreparable damage to the country in the economic, social and cultural spheres, and endangered regional peace, stability and security.

The Conference participants expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for convening the Regional Conference of Afghanistan and for the excellent arrangements.

Northern Iraq: In Northern Iraq after fighting between two Kurdish rival groups called KDP and PUK, which caused the death and displacement of thousands of people and refugees who fled to Iran, our country again called the kurdish factions to negotiation in order to restor peace in that region. Representatives of both groups in their visits in Iran declared their readiness for removing the misunderstanding.

Sudan-Uganda: Iran seeking to maintain peace and Security in other regions of the world also could successfully mediate between Sudan and Uganda who have been in conflict for some years. By this initiative Iran arranged several meetings between the high officials of the two countries and as the result of the shuttle diplomacy of Iran, the two countries alongside with Iran and Malavi signed a peace agrement to end the conflict in this part of Africa.

Many friendly and peace loving countries of the world have praised Iran's peace-making approaches.

II) Iran's Economic Cooperation Initiatives:

Revival of the Ancient Silk Road Since the ancient times Iran (Persia) has been a great crossroad and connecting bridge between east and west. The silk road has been among several famous ancient arterial roads passing through Iran (Persia) for almost 1800 years from B.C. eras until the 16th Century. The road derived its name from silk as the main good carried through this road along with porcelain, gems, spices, furs, from China, India and Siberia and in the opposite direction Ivory, cosmetics, amber, silver and gold from Europe, Arabia and Africa via Iran.

The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 and emergence of newly independent Central Asian Republics although modified the cold war balances and created several new geopolitical realities, but Iran's strategic importance remained steady and even grew in several respects. At the same time Iran developed close political, commercial and cultural links wit the Central Asian Republics and helped to induct Several Central Asian-Transcaucasian states into the Economic Cooperation Organization(ECO)in 1992.

Due to various reasons such as extensive economic potentials, huge oil and gas reserves, vast fertile land and rich mineral and natural resources of those republics, the Central Asia has come under the spotlight of International focus as amajor ground for investments. As most of forementioned republics are landlocked and lack access to free water therefore their integration to international economic system has been a main factor to deal with. Having a unique geopolitical location, as well as its cooperative and practical Foreign Policy and religion and cultural and historical commonalties with those states, Iran became the main liking hub of global economic and political relations with Central Asia and Caucasus.

In addition to so-called aspects, Iran's Pivotal geographical position enables the Central Asian Republics (CARs) to get access to all over Asia and Europe through the linkage between railroad networks of the region, and facilitates transportation and transit of goods to the CARs. Pursuing such direction, the Islamic Republic of Iran implemented a plan to construct 295 kms , Mashhad- Sarakhs -Tajan Railroad which was complementary to 700 kilometers long Bafq-Bandar Abas Railroad and mounted the railroad network to 2620 kms.

The project was inaugurated in May, 13, 1996 by the H.E. Mr. Hashemi Rafsanjani President of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the presence of leaders and dignitaries of about 50 countries of the world and International organizations. This section of the railway in fact revives the ancient Silkroad and plays several outstanding roles in consolidation from political and economic stability to improvement of economic situation and welfare of the regional states.

Silk Road connects Central Asia to Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean in the west and south, to China and Pacific Ocean in the north and east, and will link the rail roads of CARs, China, the Caucasus and Turkey to Iran. So because of its geographical position on the east-west junction, Iran is capable of safe guarding a more convenient transit route to India, Japan, the American Continent, Africa and most Arab States.

Now one can say that with this connection, the revival of the ancient silk road has connected the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean passing through Central and Western Asian territories to Europe and creating, huge opportunities and hope for future prosperity, development and descent life for all people of the region. This undoubtedly was not possible without Iran's vision and positive political and economic role that was plagued during the recent years.