Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, referred to close and friendly relations between Iran and Turkmenistan, and numerous existing potentialities for the development of bilateral cooperation and countering warmongering efforts in the region, noting: “The [best] way to counter terrorist currents and thwart their influence is to give people time [to get involved] in correct Islamic activities and to bolster moderate and rational Islamic intellectual movements.”
During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei described the two nations of Iran and Turkmenistan as neighbors, who are like close relatives, and while underscoring the necessity of using their enormous potentialities for the development of bilateral cooperation, added: “It is necessary that effective and practical steps be taken with seriousness in order to implement agreements reached [between the two countries].”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated that security, welfare and progress of neighboring and Muslim countries would be in the interest of the Islamic Republic, adding: “The borders of Iran and Turkmenistan are frontiers of peace and calm and are a reason for the two sides’ peace of mind, and the possibility of using the Iran route for access to the Persian Gulf and high seas is a valuable opportunity for Turkmenistan.”
Referring to the security of Iran and Turkmenistan under the present tense conditions in the region, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the need for the enhancement of cooperation to maintain the existing secure conditions, noting: “In the face of the barbarity and violent terrorism of Daesh and other Takfiri groups similar to it, which commit these crimes in the name of Islam, people [in regional countries] must be given the chance to get involved in correct Islamic activities, and the best way to thwart the influence of such currents is to bolster moderate and rational Islamic intellectual movements.”
Stating that the barbaric crimes committed by terrorist groups such as beheading and burning people, proved that they know nothing about Islam, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized, “Islam is the religion of fraternity, kindness, and benevolence toward others, and these crimes have nothing to do with Islam.”
During the meeting, which was also attended by Iran’s First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri, Turkmenistan’s President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow expressed delight over his trip to Tehran and described his meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei as a source of honor. He added: “Iran and Turkmenistan have always enjoyed good and historical relations, and have shared each other’s grief and happiness, and your remarks that Iran and Turkmenistan are not only two neighbors, but also [like] two [close] relatives, encourage and hearten the government and nation of Turkmenistan.”
Recalling recommendations given by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution during his previous visits to Tehran, Berdimuhamedow said: “As a wise leader and a thoughtful person, your remarks are of high value to us and acting upon your recommendations has had very good results for us.”
Referring to enormous potentialities that exist for the development of relations between the two countries particularly in the gas, transportation and road construction sectors, the Turkmen president said: “Proceeding with Iran-Turkmenistan joint development and economic projects would be in the interest of the entire region.”
Recalling the historical background and the significance of the Silk Road, the Turkmen president said: “Certain countries are interested in getting connected to [high] seas via Iran and Turkmenistan.”
He also described the political situation in the region as undesirable and referring to the crimes committed by Daesh terrorist group, added: “Daesh and the likes of it know nothing about Islam and are unfortunately fed and supported by certain governments.”
