Addressing the opening of the second Provincial Diplomacy Conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the city of Mashhad on Wednesday, Araghchi pointed out that the volume of Iran’s trade with each of its neighbors is more than its total trade with Europe.

He said that neighboring states are the priority of the Foreign Ministry in terms of diplomacy, followed by others across the region.

Calling the provincial diplomacy one of the initiatives of the current administration, the top diplomat stressed the need for more interactions between the provinces on both sides of the border. “I see extensive capacities in provincial diplomacy that can bring blessings to the entire country,” he said.

He continued by saying that cooperation between the provinces bordering Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asian countries could boost not only tourism but also trade and commerce, adding that many bilateral issues can be examined and resolved.

Referring to the cross-border terrorism and smuggling, Araghchi underscored that the coordination between local officials in the border provinces could help tackle the issues, as terrorists and smugglers do not escape through legal border crossings.

Elsewhere in his speech, while urging businessmen and entrepreneurs to introduce Iran's capabilities to the world, the top diplomat said the provinces should promote their local products and provide the manufacturers with media and economic support in target countries.