On Monday, October 11, 2021, a session was held at the center for the farewell of Dr.Sajjadpour, and introduction of Dr.Sheikholeslami, which was attended by Hossein Amirabdollahian, respectable foreign minister , and a number of colleagues from IPIS. At the ceremony, the foreign minister congratulated the forthcoming eids and thanked the efforts made by Dr.Sajjadpour during his presidency over the IPIS, and described his actions and initiatives in qualitative and quantitative promotion of the center’s activities highly worthy.

Mr. Hossein Amirabdollahian added: Dr.Sajjadpour is an international brand in public diplomacy on the international think tanks’ level, and expressed hope during the new term the foreign ministry and the IPIS would benefit from his experience and advice. Following up on his speech, the foreign minister added: “we hope the new term will witness qualitative and quantitative increase of the center’s activities in various areas, especially in the area of education and futures studies.”

Regarding the importance of IPIS, the foreign minister stated:” This compound is the first center for studies in the area of international relations in the Islamic Republic of Iran which enjoys a high capacity of specialist human force which is a valuable national treasure for the country and foreign ministry.” Dr. Hossein Amirabdollahian  added:” It is necessary that the institute be optimally benefitted from and we expect that the center will play a more prominent role in creating content and futures studies.” Concerning reviving the faculty of International Relations he stated that the foreign ministry is required to nurture and train its needed specialist force for all various fields.

Concluding his speech, the foreign minister outlined the 13th administration’s foreign policy and stated: A balanced foreign policy , an active, dynamic and intelligent foreign policy, and a pragmatic and results-centered  foreign ministry are among the principles of this administration. To materialize these principles, the foreign ministry needs cooperation and partnership from all the experts to achieve good governance which is up to the dignity and standards of the Islamic Republic of Iran.