Addressing the ceremony to unveil Persian Gulf Atlas, President Ahmadinejad said Persian Gulf historically links nations with a great culture and civilization as well as monotheistic and humanitarian values of Iranian nation.

He said that throughout history, the Persian Gulf has been a highly important waterway serving peace, security, free trade and development of regional nations. 'Today too the Persian Gulf lies on the path of friendship, passion and peace.’

“Since the distant past, the hegemonic and arrogant powers have sought to dominate the region and found the way to do this is to create insecurity [in the region] and provoke hostility between the nations,” said Dr.Ahmadinejad.

President said the arrogant powers have set up their military forces and bases in the region not for humane and altruistic objectives, but for their “material interests and amassing the wealth of others.”

He added that designation of April 29 as the National Persian Gulf Day in Iran signs Iranian nation's emphasis on historical background and civilization of Iranian nation in the universe.

Congratulating Iranian nation on the day, the president thanked those preparing the Persian Gulf Atlas.