Ivan Krastev Quotes

Restoration of friendship with Russia, our biggest neighbor, is necessary for our peace and economy.

In short, the time has come for us as American and Iranian citizens to apply our mutual energy, intellect, and goodwill toward strengthening relations between our two countries, as their destinies are intertwined.

Turkey can be a bridge to regimes and actions the United States can't reach. Turkey can talk to people the United States can't talk to.

That is one of the reasons why we advocate for good relations between the two countries. Turkey understands the needs of the region.

If France, Germany, and Great Britain – who have often been at war with each other – are now friends, then India, Pakistan, and China could become friends, too.

I bet the hard liners in both our countries are bleeding when we shake hands.

We [Iran and the United States] have a common destiny in this region [The Middle East].

The European family may well be anything but perfect. But it is the best thing that we have for bringing the countries of Europe around the same table and for forging compromises so that people here can live in peace, freedom, and prosperity.

My message to the people and rulers of Pakistan is, 'As neighbours, we want peace and friendship and cooperation with you so that together we can change the face of South Asia.'

When we had a good relationship between North Korea and South Korea, we always connected with sports.

For many Americans, 'Vietnam' is a word associated with war and the extraordinarily complex history between our countries. But since normalization began, the U.S. and Vietnam have steadily built bonds of partnership, demonstrating that we can recognize history without being imprisoned by it.

If Turkey is prepared to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide, then its leaders can proceed immediately to direct dialogue with its counterparts in Armenia to define a common vision for the future.

We have peace with Israel. We're actually the last man standing. So there is going to be immense pressure and people asking, 'Why are we having this relationship when it's not benefiting anybody?' Obviously, my answer is you always benefit from peace.

Unification is one thing, and stability in Northeast Asia is another thing.

And Israel, being a tiny, small country, of course has interest to strengthen - we have interest to strengthen our relations with other countries, mostly countries that were hostile for many, many years.

Americans wanted to settle all our difficulties with Russia and then go to the movies and drink Coke.

The purpose of the European Union expansion is to bring stability to the East, and ultimately, that stability will come to Russia. There is no long term reason that Russia can't be part of the same peaceful community of nations.

We want a full peace, normalization in all fields.

The reason that Americans have not been able to see the great strategic benefit that could accrue from a closer relationship with Iran is emotion.

I will try to work for greater reconciliation, cooperation and peace in North East Asia based on correct perception of history.

Asean is obviously a very important association for us. Over the past 30 years Asean has made great strides in regional cooperation covering a number of areas, although recently it has been under strain because of the financial crisis and other challenges.

Our ability to effectively engage China and the Arab world rests on shared economic and political interests and mutual understanding.

I'm not a historian. I'm a politician. What is important for us is that the countries of the region and the people grow closer to each other, and that they are able to prevent aggression and injustice.

Our relations with brothers in Gulf Cooperation council are good and developing, either bilateral relations or with the G.C.C itself, also we have good brotherly and solid ties with Saudi Arabia.

One day we might find ourselves making an alliance with the Greeks.