Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Tehran categorically opposes any foreign intervention in Syria and supports Damascus for backing the resistance front against the Israeli usurper regime.

Ayatollah Khamenei the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution made the remarks on Thursday 29 March in a meeting with the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his accompanying delegation. Speaking at the meeting, which was held in the holy city of Mashhad, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the need to strengthen the ties between Iran and Turkey, further adding: "The Islamic Republic of Iran seriously believes in expanding relations with Turkey. Whenever the two countries cooperated in different areas, their cooperation benefited Iran, Turkey and the Islamic world."

Ayatollah Khamenei said that there are numerous areas for expanding Iran-Turkey relations, especially in the area of oil and gas. He added that Iran is a very rich country in the world in terms of oil and gas resources.

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the sensitive conditions of the region and stressed: "By Allah's grace, the regional developments have been to the benefit of Islam and Muslims."

His Eminence added: "The most important issue in the sensitive conditions of the region is that independent countries should make correct decisions regarding the region."

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that the hegemons of the world have an instrumental view of the regional countries and reiterated that the Americans do not recognize any nation as independent.

Ayatollah Khamenei added: "The Americans treat all countries like this. Therefore, it is necessary to take the interests of the Islamic countries into consideration when making decisions."

His Eminence said that the current leaders of Turkey have Islamic tendencies and added: "Such conditions are not at all favorable to America and the west, but the Islamic Republic of Iran is happy with the fact that the Muslim brothers are in power in Turkey."

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is opposed to all American plans regarding the issues of Syria. "The Islamic Republic of Iran will defend Syria because it supports the resistance front against the Zionist regime. Also, the Islamic Republic of Iran is strongly opposed to all kinds of foreign interference in the internal affairs of Syria."

His Eminence stressed: "We have always supported reforms in Syria and it is necessary to continue the reforms that have started in Syria."

At the meeting, Recep Tayyip Erdogan referred to the historical ties between Iran and Turkey and added: "Considering this historical background, we believe that it is necessary to expand cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas relating to infrastructure."

The Turkish Prime Minister said that Turkey is firmly determined to expand relations with Iran, especially in the energy sector. Referring to the conditions of the region, he added: "The region is faced with extremely difficult conditions and we hope that we will be able to successfully weather this situation."

Last Updated (Friday, 30 March 2012 14:32)