The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei in a meeting today with officials in charge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors, heads of Iran's representative offices in foreign countries, and their families clarified the current position of the Islamic Republic system and its progressive movement. His Eminence also referred to the duties of the Foreign Ministry and added: "The Foreign Ministry should suitably reflect the increasing dignity and grandeur of the Islamic Republic and draw on this fact to serve the country's interests."
Referring to the opportunities and challenges of the country in the international arena, Ayatollah Khamenei added: "The belief that lack of challenges is indicative of peace and to the country's benefit is not correct because the existence of challenges is a natural phenomenon and indicative of success for the Islamic Republic and the Iranian nation who seek freedom of choice and follow a movement based on principles on the world stage which is full of competition and based on the logic of the bullying powers."
His Eminence added: "The Islamic Republic has made great and unbelievable achievements during the last thirty years despite the various formidable challenges it faced."
Ayatollah Khamenei described national unity, adherence to principles, and making progress on scientific and technological fronts as three major elements contributing to the country's national power. Also referring to the progress of the Iranian nation on all the three fronts he said: "There is national unity in the true sense of the word in the country and such unity is manifested in the country and in the relations between the nation and the government officials. And such national unity is rarely seen in the world."
Ayatollah Khamenei also referred to the adherence of the Islamic Republic to the principles of the Islamic Revolution, and described it as very important. He said this would result in national grandeur and the spiritual growth of the nation.
Ayatollah Khamenei further added: "A new movement has started in the country in scientific and technological areas and some of the country's scientific achievements are limited to only a few countries in the world. And the time gap between these achievements and others made in the world is very limited."
His Eminence described the spreading of Islamic thought in the world and the victory of resistance forces in Lebanon and Palestine over the domineering powers as two clear manifestations of the progress of the Islamic Republic and the increasing grandeur and power of the Iranian nation and reiterated: "Today, Iran is described as a regional power or even superpower which is indicative of the progressive movement of the Islamic Republic which is due to its adherence to principles."
Ayatollah Khamenei also stressed that the Foreign Ministry should reflect such progress and grandeur and make appropriate use of such achievements. He said: "Fulfilling this important duty necessitates a wise, brave, and steadfast movement on the part of the Foreign Ministry and the country's ambassadors shoulder a heavy responsibility in this regard as the front line members of the country on the diplomatic front."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also stressed that the officials in charge of foreign affairs should firmly believe in the principles of the Islamic Republic and its progressive movement and reiterated: "Putting the Muslim world and its interests as well as the position of the Islamic Republic in the Muslim world high on the agenda is an important point regarding the foreign policies of the Islamic Republic."
Ayatollah Khamenei also said that the Iranian nation has made progress through reliance on its principles, national grandeur, and independence while there were always efforts to make believe that such progress was impossible. He said: "The Iranian nation should not be afraid of the threats and propaganda that are broadcast in this regard because this would ultimately end to the Iranian nation's benefit."
His Eminence described the establishment of relations with influential figures and elites in foreign countries to clarify the thought and stances of the Islamic Republic as one of the important duties of the country's ambassadors and reiterated: "For instance, the stance of the Islamic Republic of Iran in regard to the Palestinian issue is one of the strongest stances in the world because Iran believes that the destiny of Palestine should be determined through the votes of the main inhabitants of the country including Muslims, Jews, and Christians living in the country. And a new government that is based on the votes and opinion of the Palestinian people should be formed."
Ayatollah Khamenei described ambassadors as the representatives of the Iranian nation, and addressing the ambassadors of the Islamic Republic, His Eminence added: "You are the representatives of a nation that mounted unique resistance against all powers for eight years and managed to emerge victorious out of this resistance. Also you are the representatives of the bright future of this country, namely the twenty-year strategic plan, and should make due efforts towards implementing this plan."
At the end of the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei said revolutionary, devoted, and expert members constitute the majority of those active in the Foreign Ministry and stressed the need for paying more attention in evaluating people and sending them on missions. He said subjective judgment had to be avoided in this regard and stated: "The ambassadors and representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran should reflect the greatness and magnanimity of Imam Khomeini (r.a.) without any considerations and should represent the Islamic Republic and adhere to the principles of the Iranian nation."