Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, met Tuesday morning with Baqir Izetbegovic, the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. President Rouhani was also present at the meeting.
Speaking at the meeting, His Eminence stressed the necessity of confronting the belligerent and terrorist policies of some western governments, reiterating: “Independent countries should extinguish the fire of discord and conflict by strengthening their relations and refusing to be influenced by the policies of arrogant governments.”
The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the wave of takfirism and terrorism which has afflicted Europe as well and which will create a worse situation in the future, adding: “Seemingly, the birthplace of this phenomenon is the Arab region, but in fact, the U.S. and some European governments are the main factor in causing these incidents.”
Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the military coalition of western governments against terrorism is not real, saying: “Although it is possible that these coalitions go to war against terrorism in some cases, but they are not after uprooting real terrorism neither in Iraq nor in Syria and their bad and malevolent policies are increasing humanity’s problems on a daily basis.”
His Eminence mentioned that the cure for this situation is to gain an understanding of the factors that lead to the emergence of these problems and to show willpower for resolving them. He added: “The humiliation of Muslim youth in some rich and powerful European countries prepares the ground for them to join deviant terrorists such as DAESH. Upon their return to Europe, these humiliated youth engage in causing explosions and massacring people.”
Pointing to the history of friendly relations between Iran and Bosnia and Herzegovina and the bitter and difficult times during which a war was imposed on the people of that country, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution said: “Peace and security are the main requirements for a people to attain all vital resources and to achieve growth and blossoming.”
Ayatollah Khamenei recounted the memory of his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina during the time of his presidency and spoke of the warm and friendly reception that the people of that country gave to him.
Praising the personality of the late Alija Izetbegovic, the former president of Bosnia, His Eminence stated: “The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is completely prepared to increase its cooperation and relations with the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina in political and economic areas and in the area of cooperation in international meetings and congresses.”
Expressing his joy at travelling to Iran, Baqir Izetbegovic described his meetings with the officials of our country as successful. He expressed hope that the friendly relations between the two countries would lead to efficient economic cooperation in a way that it will be to the advantage of both sides.
Izetbegovic stated that the policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina is to strengthen its relations with Muslim countries. He stressed the necessity of confronting the danger of terrorism and added: “This dangerous malady has even led to attacking mosques and killing innocent individuals. Of course, all outstanding personalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have decisively expressed their hatred of takfiri thoughts and they are confronting it.”
The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina expressed his regret at denominational conflicts in Islamic societies and stressed: “Islamic unity is the responsibility of all Muslims and discord will cause Islamic societies to become weak.”
