President: ˈNational Persian Gulf Dayˈ Best Opportunity To Foster Regional Ties

Tehran, April 30, IRNA – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said here Tuesday that National Persian Gulf Day is a great opportunity to establish friendship and security in the region and reinforce regional cooperation. The president made the remarks in the ringing bell ceremony in Tehranˈs Alborz High school to mark the day. He said the day just honors the old history of the Persian Gulf and never means that it is facing any threats. Iran designated April 30 as the National Persian Gulf Day to protect the waterwayˈs cultural and historical identity which stands as one of the most important symbols of national identity. It coincides with the anniversary day of the expulsion of Portuguese military forces from the Strait of Hormoz in 1622, during the reign of Safavid king Shah Abbas I (1587-1629). /end