The Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, visited the Defense Ministry's "Manifestations of Self-Reliance and Defensive Power" Exhibition on Thursday, May 24.
The visit was paid on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the epical liberation of the southern city of Khorramshahr from the occupation of the aggressor Iraqi forces.
During the four-hour visit to the exhibition, which was held at the Shahid-Mahallati Industries Complex, Ayatollah Khamenei was briefed on the latest achievements of the defense industries and the research projects of the Defense Ministry in the fields of aerospace, missiles, electronic warfare, optics and laser, armor and anti-armor, artillery as well as surveying and engineering.
Right after his arrival at the Shahid-Mahallati Industries Complex, the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces paid homage to the honorable martyrs of the Sacred Defense in front of the Martyrs Memorial.
The Leader of the Islamic Republic, in the course of his visit to the exhibition, was accompanied by the chief of the general staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, chief commanders of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army and Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), the commanders of the three forces of the army and the IRGC and senior officials of the Defense Ministry, including the Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad-Najjar, who presented a report about the latest achievements and major defensive projects of the Defense Ministry.
In an address to the senior commanders of the Iranian Armed Forces and officials of the Defense Ministry following the visit, Ayatollah Khamenei described as ‘positive' the present achievements of the country in various sectors, including the defense industries.
"Although these achievements are remarkable, they are indeed just making up for the country's historical backwardness, and one should not content oneself with these achievements," Ayatollah Khamenei noted.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces further stressed the need to take new measures and introduce new innovations.
"Efforts should be made to push back the frontiers of science, and Iranians have proved that they are quite capable of doing so," he told the audience.
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to research as the main cause of scientific movement and progress. He stated that while all academic and manufacturing and industrial and defensive sectors are expected to pay serious attention to research, they should also make use of young talented forces that are characterized by great scientific capabilities.
In another address to the personnel of the defense industries affiliated with the Defense Ministry, the Leader of the Islamic Republic commemorated the anniversary of the liberation of Khorramshahr. He pointed out that the main factor contributing to the country's present progress in various sectors, especially the defensive sector, has been the essence of the liberation of Khorramshahr.
"Today, dynamic efforts and the firm intention of continuing to tread the path of progress can be observed in all sectors of the country, and there is a bright future in store for the Iranian nation," the Leader told the audience.
At the end of his visit to the Defense Ministry's "Manifestations of Self-Reliance and Defensive Power" Exhibition, Ayatollah Khamenei led the noon and afternoon prayers at the Shahid-Mahallati Industries Complex.