Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, met Tuesday morning with Abdelmalek Sellal, the Prime Minister of Algeria, and his accompanying delegation. Speaking at the meeting, His Eminence pointed to the similarity of the political viewpoints of the Islamic Republic with those of Algeria on many regional and international issues, stating: “Besides the similarity of our political viewpoints, the people of Iran have always thought positively about the country and people of Algeria because of the jihad of the Algerian nation against colonialism during the Algerian revolution.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the spiritual relationship between nations as a very good opportunity for increasing cooperation particularly in the economic area, saying: “The volume of cooperation between Iran and Algeria is very small and I hope that with this trip, with the formation of the joint commission in the near future and with Mr. Jahangiri’s trip to Algeria, the economic relations between the two countries will develop on a daily basis.”
Pointing to the statements of the Algerian Prime Minister about the phenomenon of DAESH and the necessity for regional countries to seriously confront the terrorists who have damaged Islam’s reputation, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The issue of DAESH and the terrorists who have spread throughout the region in the name of Islam is not an ordinary and natural issue, rather these terrorists have been created and are being supported by others.”
His Eminence expressed regret at the support that some Islamic countries in the region give to DAESH terrorists and stated that such terrorists are also being supported by America and the enemies of Islam. He added: “Those Islamic countries that are sympathetic towards one another and that have more cooperation with one another can find a practical solution for confronting terrorists through negotiation and cooperation.”
He pointed to the formation of the Resistance Front - comprised of Algeria, Iran, Syria and a number of other countries - in the beginning of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, stressing: “Some countries that follow America prevented that group from continuing its activities, but it seems that the ground is prepared in the present time for the formation of such a group comprised of those Islamic countries that have common viewpoints. If such a group is formed, such Islamic countries can be influential on the important issues of the world of Islam and carry out practical measures in order to solve regional problems and fight against terrorists.”
At the end of his statements, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution expressed hope that Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the President of Algeria, will regain his health as soon as possible.
Abdelmalek Sellal also described the Third GECF Summit as a successful summit. Referring to his negotiations with the Iranian officials, he said: “The viewpoints of Iran and Algeria on political issues – particularly on the issue of fighting against DAESH and other terrorists in the region - are very close to each other. I hope that considering the Tehran negotiations, the volume of economic relations will increase compared to the present time and that it will reach an acceptable level.”
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