Imam Khamenei Calls for a Safe Persian Gulf through regional Cooperation

Local Editor, 6-11-2009

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei called on the regional countries to turn the Persian Gulf into "a safe and prosperous region and a place for cooperation," in talks with the Qatari Emir. Ayatollah Khamenei said enemies are trying to prevent such unity among regional countries.

The Leader made the remarks in a meeting with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani in Tehran on Thursday. The Leader also advises further cooperation among the Islamic countries, saying "All countries in the region should make efforts to prevent the materialization of foreign desires."

Ayatollah Khamenei also held certain Arab states responsible for their inactions against "Israeli" wars on Lebanon in 2006 and on Gaza Strip in 2009. "Unfortunately some Arab states have not adopted a good stand (over the wars)," the Leader told the Qatari Emir. Ayatollah Khamenei also called for the tightening of economic and regional ties between the two Persian Gulf littoral states.

The Emir of Qatar, who is on an official visit to the Iranian capital for talks with high-ranking officials, praised the position taken by the Islamic Republic concerning the Palestinian issue.

Al-Thani also urged the regional countries to make efforts to maintain peace and security in the region. He added that the Islamic states should oppose the plots hatched by outsiders.