Touching on the extremely regrettable situation in the Middle East region, including in Yemen and Syria, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Given its status, Iraq can definitely be influential in regional issues and this potential should be used more than ever before.”
The Supreme Leader highlighted deep-seated and brotherly relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq and welcomed growing ties between the two countries. He said: “Compared to previous years, the current Iran-Iraq relations are unprecedented and this trend is indicative of the wisdom and prudence of [our] Iraqi brethren, which should continue.”
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the Islamic Republic of Iran’s readiness to offer assistance for the progress and stability of Iraq, describing as precise and comprehensive Masum’s remarks on Iran-Iraq relations and the situation in Iraq and in the region.
He added: “Among Arab and Muslim countries, Iraq is one of several important countries with unique features.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the establishment of a popular and stable government in Iraq is one of the unique features of that country among Arab states, noting: “Different Iraqi officials and groups should seriously safeguard this key advantage and not allow some possible differences harm this historic achievement of the Iraqi people.”
The Supreme Leader also referred to the influence of the Iraqi government in the Arab world, saying: “Today, the region and the Muslim world is witnessing regrettable and really tear-jerking issues like the issue of Palestine, the issues of North Africa and the war in Syria and Yemen. Iraq can definitely be influential in these issues.”
Ayatollah Khamenei described as very dangerous the plot hatched by the enemies of Islam for Syria and said: “They are seeking to create permanent instability and insecurity in Syria in a bid to destabilize the entire region.”
He reiterated the point that the scheme devised by some Arab countries for Syria is very destructive, saying: “Their scheme will not only ruin Syria, but also destroy their own countries.”
The supreme leader said the restoration and maintenance of stability in Syria is the most important objective, and touching on the Iraqi president’s remarks about ISIL terrorists’ actions in Syria and their impact on Iraq and the region, he added: “The presence of numerous Takfiri-terrorist groups in Syria under different names benefits the Zionist regime and those seeking to destabilize the region in order to impose their own will.”
Ayatollah Khamenei went on to highlight the ongoing regrettable events in Yemen, saying: “The Saudis have made a big mistake in Yemen and the crimes they have committed will definitely backfire on them.”
Underscoring the necessity of a swift halt to the massacre of oppressed people in Yemen, the Supreme Leader said: “The Yemen events show that an unwise and ignorant way of thinking among Saudis is making decisions about Yemen issues.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the Saudi regime’s justification for its aggression against Yemen is idiotic, adding: “They invaded Yemen under the pretext of a request [to be returned to power] by Yemen’s former fugitive president who betrayed his country at the most sensitive juncture.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said Iraq’s role and position vis-à-vis these issues is important. He expressed optimism about the future of Iraq and heaped praise on the Iraqi government for its initiative to mobilize people to join the regular Army.
He said: “The Iraqi youths are all potential heroes who can play a role under appropriate conditions and in different domains. That is the experience we have had in Iran.”
The Supreme Leader also inquired about the health condition of Iraq’s former president, Jalal Talabani, and prayed to Almighty God for his recovery.
During this meeting also attended by President Hassan Rouhani, the Iraqi president expressed great pleasure over his meeting with Iran’s Supreme Leader and said: “We believe that as the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and as a great religious figure, Your Excellency will be able to help Iran and Iraq broaden their relations and help resolve the Iraqi issues and problems.”
Noting that the Iraqi government and nation would never forget the Islamic Republic of Iran’s assistance during the ISIL attack and under the most difficult conditions, the Iraqi president said: “The ISIL in Iraq is no different from ISIL in Syria because the ISIL poses a danger to the entire region.”
Masum described his talks with Rouhani as good and expressed hope that their negotiations would clear the way for further expansion of mutual cooperation.