Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, said increased cooperation between Muslim nations for the purpose of defending the identity of Islam and Muslims is an essential necessity, noting: “The global coalitions claiming to be fighting against terrorist currents are by no means reliable, because these same destructive factors, particularly America, are behind the creation of or lending support to terrorists like Daesh.”  

Ayatollah Khamenei described “the overt enemies of Islam” and the “enemies that show hostility toward Islam in the name of Islam” as the two blades of a pair of scissors, saying: “In the face of these dangerous enemies, Islamic countries must safeguard their identity and interests through enhancing cooperation.”

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution added that it would be wrong to pin hope on the cooperation and assistance of the United States and the West in the fight against terrorist currents like Daesh and Boko Haram, adding: “According to accurate information, in Iraq, Americans and some reactionary countries of the [Middle East] region are directly assisting Daesh and play a destructive role.” 

Ayatollah Khamenei stated that boosting communications among Islamic countries does not mean to block communications with other countries, adding: “The Islamic Republic maintains extensive relations with all countries except for America and the Zionist regime, but we believe that Islamic countries must close ranks much further.” 

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also welcomed the election of Mr. Buhari, as a committed Muslim, as the president of the prominent and important country of Nigeria, and while highlighting the existing potentialities for interaction and cooperation between the two countries, said: “These potentialities must be explored and exchanged.”  

During the meeting, which was also attended by Iran’s First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri, the Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari described his country’s relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran as deep-seated and strong, saying that Iran is an advanced and big country with myriads potentialities for communication and cooperation with other countries. 

Buhari also offered gratitude to Iran for having been invited to the summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), saying: “Today and in the meeting with the Leader of the [Islamic] Revolution, I learnt many lessons and I am grateful for this meeting and these guidelines.”