Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution met this morning with the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki and his accompanying delegation. Speaking at the meeting, His Eminence stated that the increasing power of Iraq in the Arab world and in the region is a source of joy for the Islamic Republic of Iran. He stressed: “The efforts to increase the power of Iraq – especially through preparing the ground for constant scientific jihad as well as through creating a widespread national movement for the construction of Iraq – will increase the achievements of the Iraqi people and government and will strengthen their position.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said that certain developments in the past few months have revealed the power of the Iraqi people and government in the Arab and Muslim world. He added: “The complete withdrawal of the American troops from Iraq is among these crucial developments. The withdrawal is a great victory that has been gained as a result of the resistance of the Iraqi government and the national determination of the Iraqi people.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that hosting the Arab summit was another manifestation of the power of Iraq. He reiterated: “Certain countries made widespread efforts to show that Iraq is excluded from the Arab world, but by holding the Arab summit in Baghdad, Iraq has achieved leadership of the Arab League. And the Iraqi Prime Minister is the chairman of the Arab League.”
Having referred to the historical background of Iraq and its position in the Arab world, His Eminence stressed: “Considering this background and the natural and human capacities of Iraq, the possibility that Iraq will restore its position and power is not remote.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed that certain people are opposed to the increasing power of Iraq, further adding: “The power of a country depends on certain requirements and instruments, and the most important requirements and factors are scientific progress, construction of the country and rendering services to the people.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said that Iran has very good experiences in the area of launching a scientific movement, adding that Iran has made unbelievable achievements in this regard. “It is necessary to start a scientific movement in Iraq, which is the center of scholarly capacities in the Arab world. It is also necessary to encourage outstanding personalities to engage in scientific jihad.”
He stressed the need for constructing Iraq and added: “By organizing the Iraqi youth and preparing the necessary requirements, a national movement must be started in Iraq in order to construct the country and render services to the Iraqi people.”
At the end of his statements, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed that brilliant prospects are awaiting the people of Iraq.Â
At the meeting, the Iraqi Prime Minister referred to his negotiations in Tehran and said: “By Allah’s favor, the relations between Iran and Iraq have been expanded in different areas and different industrial and trade delegations from the two countries are constantly negotiating with each other.”
Nouri Maliki expressed hope that his negotiations with Iranian officials will prepare the way for further expansion of ties between Iran and Iraq.