Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution met this evening with the presidents and representatives of the regional countries participating in the first International Norouz Celebration held in Tehran.
In this meeting, which was also attended by President Ahmadinejad, Ayatollah Khamenei said that Norouz is a spiritually, nationally, and internationally prominent occasion and that it embodies outstanding values. He reiterated: "Norouz is the symbol of innovation, vitality, youth, and dynamism."
His Eminence said that celebration of Norouz by some nations as the beginning of their new year is a privilege for them. "In spite of the fact that Norouz is an ancient festival and is not considered among religious celebrations, it has been praised in many Islamic narrations. And for this reason, Norouz is an opportunity for man to remember God and express his dedication to Him," he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei added: "In a situation where cultural values are always transmitted from western countries to eastern countries, the registration of Norouz as an international event is an opportunity for transmitting the lofty cultural values of the east to the west."
Ayatollah Khamenei further added that the International Norouz Celebration can prepare the ground for the governments and nations of the region to boost their ties.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution touched on the efforts made by the superpowers to cause crisis and discord among the nations of the region and said: "The reality is that the interests of the nations of the region are not in conflict with one another and are mutually interdependent."
He further added that the countries of the region can form a valuable cultural group and said that the Islamic Republic welcomes the strengthening of relations among the countries of the region.