Congratulations at Rouhani’s victory
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Wednesday, May 24
The President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, has congratulated Hassan Rouhani on his election as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“It is my pleasure to extend to you my most sincere congratulations on the occasion of your election as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and wish you success in your future state activities,” Margvelashvili stated.
He stressed he was confident that Rouhani’s presidency will be exemplary in overcoming the challenges facing Iran and the entire region.
“I am happy that bilateral relations between our countries and peoples have significantly evolved in recent times, which has positively affected Georgia-Iranian ties and contacts.
“I strongly believe that under your leadership, cooperation and historical ties between Georgia and Iran will be further strengthened and deepened for the common good of our nations. I look forward to meeting with you in the nearest future to discuss prospects of future cooperation,” Margvelashvili declared.
Hassan Rouhani has been a key player in Iran's political life since the revolution in 1979.
He was an influential figure in Iran's defence establishment during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War and subsequently held several important political posts.
From 1989 to 2005, Rouhani was secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), the top decision-making body in Iran, appointed by and answerable to the Supreme Leader, the BBC reported.
He served as the deputy speaker of parliament between 1996 and 2000 (while simultaneously completing a thesis on Sharia - Islamic law - as a post-graduate student at Glasgow Caledonian University) and in 1997 became a member of the Expediency Council, the highest arbitration body on issues of legislation.
Rouhani was Iran's chief nuclear negotiator from 2003 to 2005, earning the moniker "the diplomat sheikh", when he agreed to suspend uranium enrichment.
He first stood as president in 2013.
