Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, met Tuesday afternoon with Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan. President Rouhani was also present at the meeting.
Speaking at the meeting, His Eminence referred to the good political relations and the many common points and bonds – particularly religious bonds – between Iran and Azerbaijan, reiterating: “If we promote Islamic teachings and show respect to religious beliefs and principles, this will be received favorably by peoples and it will encourage them to provide support in the face of threats.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated that the Islamic Republic’s outlook towards the people of Azerbaijan is a brotherly outlook, one that is beyond mere friendship and geographical proximity. He added: “The political stability, security, peace and public welfare of the people of Azerbaijan is very important to us. Due to heartfelt understanding between the two nations, economic exchanges and cooperation in different areas should increase.”
Referring to the religious bonds between the people of Iran and Azerbaijan, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Islamic and Shia beliefs of the people of Azerbaijan are a precious resource. The more respect the administration shows to these religious principles and beliefs and the better it receives them, the more support the people will offer to the administration and the more resistance they will show in the face of the enmity of some superpowers.”
His Eminence mentioned that confronting the sedition that takfiri groups have caused among nations depends on strengthening Islamic activities. He stressed: “The region of Azerbaijan is a well-rooted region in terms of religion and it is the birthplace of many great Islamic scholars. The people of Azerbaijan too are a well-informed and vigilant people. Therefore, governmental encouragement and assistance in religious activities will be very efficient in attracting their feelings and emotions.”
Expressing his agreement with the statements of the President of Azerbaijan about the source of most threats against the two countries, he stated: “Promoting the teachings of Islam and Shia will attract divine assistance and the kindness of the infallible Imams (greetings be upon them) in the face of problems and threats.”
Ilham Aliyev pointed to the close relations between Tehran and Baku and described his negotiations in Iran as very important and constructive, saying: “The existence of a common culture, religion and history has created a deep bond between Iran and Azerbaijan.”
The President of Azerbaijan stated that the two countries have signed more than 10 agreements. He described the bilateral relations between Iran and Azerbaijan as brotherly and excellent, adding: “Many good steps have been taken in the area of financial cooperation, transportation, energy and industry and we will be trying to increase unity and the relations between the two countries in all areas.”
He reiterated that Tehran and Baku have similar viewpoints on international matters, stressing: “Iran plays a very important role in the area of establishing peace and stability in the world and we consider Iran’s security as our own security.”
Aliyev asserted that the threats against the two countries originate from one single source, saying: “On this trip, it was agreed that we - in cooperation with Iran - should fight against terrorism so that peace and stability will be established in the region.”
The President of Azerbaijan reiterated that his administration respects Islamic values and has rendered many religious services, adding: “During Azerbaijan’s independence era, two thousands mosques have been built – half of them in my term of responsibility.”
Condemning anti-Islamic moves, Ilham Aliyev stated that the reason behind enmities against Azerbaijan is the religious beliefs of the people. He stressed: “Islam and Shia Islam are loved by the people of Azerbaijan and the existence of a great personality like you in the region gives us ample energy and enthusiasm as well.”
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