Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in Tehran on Monday, stressing the need for expanding cooperation among Islamic countries in defense of the identity of Islam and Muslims across the world.
The Leader deemed ‘apparent foes’ and those who ‘fight Islam in the name of Islam’ the two blades of the same scissor, calling for closer cooperation among Muslim countries to counter these ‘dangerous foes’ and preserve their identity and interests.
“Investing hope in cooperation and aids from US and other western countries in fight against terrorist movements such as ISIL or Boko Haram is erroneous. Based on accurate intelligence, Americans and some reactionary countries in the region are directly supporting ISIL and play a destructive role in Iraq,” said Iran’s Leader.
Ayat. Khamenei stressed that stepping up relations with Islamic states does not mean cutting ties with other countries, adding “Iran has extensive relations with all states but US and the Zionist regime; we believe that Islamic countries must have much closer ties.”
For his part, the Nigerian president described the relations between Iran and Nigeria as solid and long-lasting, adding, "Iran is a major and advanced country and enjoys many capacities for cooperation and ties."
Muhammadu Buhari is in Tehran to take part in the third summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
MS/2975444