The Leader of the Islamic Revolution met on Wednesday with the Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and his accompanying delegation. Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the historical bonds between Iran and Turkey and reiterated: "The current close relations between the two countries are unprecedented in past few centuries, and we are happy about your administration's consecutive success on national and international fronts."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution praised Turkey's foreign policy towards the world of Islam and added: "Your positions on supporting the people of Palestine were religiously and logically appropriate. And such moves will consolidate the position of Turkey in the world of Islam."
Ayatollah Khamenei Further Reiterated: "Your administration's efforts to develop an increasingly close relationship with the world of Islam will further consolidate your base among the people of Turkey. They will also prepare the ground for global support of Muslims for you."
His Eminence said that the Islamic Republic is pleased with Turkey's international policies and its economic and political approach. "We support any move that makes the world of Islam stronger."
"I believe the seriousness and speed of Mr. Erdogan and Mr. Ahmadinejad have given rise to a valuable opportunity for expanding the relations between the two countries."
Elsewhere in his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei touched on the current situation of the Middle East and reiterated: "The western prescription for solving the regional issues is not fair and efficient. It cannot solve the regional problems, including the issues of Palestine, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Therefore, Iran and Turkey must work together to solve these issues in a brotherly and friendly fashion."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution touched on the weaknesses and failures of America in Iraq and Afghanistan, further adding: "I believe there are no disagreements between the Islamic Republic and Turkey regarding the issues of Iraq because both Iran and Turkey want to establish stability, security, and national unity in Iraq."
His Eminence added that genuine stability and independence of Iraq is not in the interest of those who have occupied it. "Despite their slogans, they do not want to establish democracy in Iraq."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the agreement among eight Islamic countries to establish the D-8 group was an intelligent move. "Try to help this group practice its economic, cultural, and political plans more actively than before," he said.