Speaking at a meeting marking the national week of civil society organizations and social participation on Sunday, Baqaei said non-governmental organizations were both a product of a strong civil society and an important force for its further development. He noted that many such groups, particularly friendship associations, maintain links with international communities even when their activities are primarily domestic.
Baqaei described friendship associations as valuable partners for the Foreign Ministry in both formal diplomacy and public diplomacy. He said the ministry would share its experience with civil society activists and seek greater coordination with them on international issues.
He also stressed the importance of documenting environmental damage resulting from recent US and Israeli military aggressions against Iran and raising international awareness about their consequences, arguing that environmental impacts extend beyond national borders.
The spokesperson said Iranian NGOs could also help present the country’s positions internationally on issues including sanctions and violations of international humanitarian law. He added that the Foreign Ministry could facilitate their participation in international forums, including UN Human Rights Council sessions, where appropriate.
Baqaei further said NGOs could contribute to documenting criminal attacks in Minab and Lamerd for historical records and potential presentation to domestic and international judicial bodies. He maintained that civil society organizations could help communicate Iran’s experiences and perspectives to global public opinion.
He emphasized that friendship associations also contribute to people-to-people relations and can provide valuable cultural and diplomatic links with communities abroad. According to Baqaei, identifying these capacities and using them more effectively would strengthen Iran’s public diplomacy and broaden the country’s international outreach.
