Businessman: Iranian expatriates ambassadors of public diplomacy

“The presidential election is a test of solidarity and empathy among Iranian people, as well as an important opportunity for decision making and for a knowledge-based choice to improve the society,' Bahram Torkmani told IRNA on Monday.

Noting that holding free election is a strong point for Tehran, the economic activist said free election enables Iranians to determine their own fate by giving them equal right to vote.

Voting with a high turnout would reject all local and foreign suspicions, and would boost the elections’ legitimacy, Torkmani said. He stressed that a high turnout also empowers the elected president to serve the country’s causes and those of the constituents.

He said that various groups of Iranians living abroad are active in numerous fields outside the country and could contribute to the government efficiency in many ways.

The businessman pointed out that Iran's constructive interaction with other countries, in consistence with its national sovereignty, would expand the country’s cooperation with other states and, therefore, pave the way for the expatriates to live and work in a society which is based on mutual respect.

Torkmani, who is working in the field of economic activities in southern parts of China for many years, said that Iran's ties with China enjoyed more growth compared to the past.

He added that expansion of bilateral cooperation in different sectors, particularly over the past four years, had been more significant, due to the rising number of exchange of visit by Iranian and Chinese cultural, economic, trade and political delegations.

The 12th Iranian presidential election will be held simultaneously in Iran and abroad on May 19, along with local elections of Islamic Councils of Cities and villages and Parliamentary mid-term election.

Six candidates are running for presidency this year including Ebrahim Raeisi, the custodian of Imam Reza (AS) holy shrine, Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, former minister of culture and Islamic guidance Mostafa Mirsalim and former vice president Mostafa Hashemi Taba, as well as President Hassan Rouhani.

9156**1394