Visiting Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal met the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on Monday, June 12.
The Saudi foreign minister conveyed a message from Saudi King Abdullah to the Leader of the Islamic Republic. He also expressed the Saudi king's greetings and gratitude for the Leader's message imparted by Dr. Aliakbar Velayati to the Saudi king a few months ago.
Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal also told the Leader that King Abdullah is desirous of the further expansion of Tehran-Riyadh relations in various areas.
Speaking at the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his appreciation for the Saudi king's message and stated that cooperation and extensive relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia will not only serve the short-term and long-range interests of the two countries, but that they will also promote the interests of the Islamic world as a whole.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia should take concrete steps to lay the foundations of a strategic cooperation in solving the various issues of the Islamic world and in consolidating unity among Muslim nations," Ayatollah Khamenei noted.
The Leader of the Islamic Republic stated that differences and disputes among Muslims will only serve the interests of domineering powers and the enemies of the Islamic world. He added that the only way to solve the existing problems of the Islamic world and resist the enemies is unity, harmony and cooperation.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out that there is great potential for cooperation between the two countries in various areas, including on regional issues. He stated that Iran and Saudi Arabia can cooperate on the issue of Iraq in an optimal manner and foil the enemies in their attempts to foment conflicts between Shia and Sunni Muslims.
"Considering the plots that are being hatched by the Zionists, the two countries can also cooperate with regard to the issue of Lebanon and Syria," Ayatollah Khamenei further noted.
As regards the pressures that are being exerted on the Palestinian people and government, the Leader of the Islamic Republic stated that Islamic countries are expected to assist the government formed by the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement Hamas because this government can render precious services to the Palestinian nation and be of great value to the future of Palestine.