Imam Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, met Thursday evening with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and his accompanying delegation. Speaking at the meeting, His Eminence stressed the necessity of increasing political and economic relations between Iran and Qatar. He stated that the way to resolve regional issues must be sought without the interference of foreign elements. Referring to the continuation of the crimes committed by the Zionist regime against the people of Palestine, he said, “The Arab world is expected to explicitly enter into political action against these open crimes.”

Imam Khamenei emphasized that the solidarity and stability of relations between Iran and Qatar is to the advantage of both countries and added, “The level of current economic dealings between the two countries is very low and it should increase to several times this amount. Regarding political matters too, the ground is ready for more exchange of ideas. I hope this trip will mark a new beginning for expanding cooperation.”

While expressing his agreement with the statements of the Emir of Qatar in condemnation of the crimes committed by the Zionist regime, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the decades-long oppression of the vicious Zionists against the Palestinian people to be a bitter reality and a blow to the world of Islam. He said, “Against such crimes, the Islamic Republic of Iran expects the Arab world to explicitly enter the arena of political action.”

Referring to the statements of the Emir of Qatar regarding last year’s events in Sheikh Jarrah, His Eminence said, “Regarding that matter, some Arab countries support for the Palestinians was even less than that of some European countries. They took no stance, and presently too, they’re continuing in the same way.”

The Leader emphasized, “If Arab countries have adopted this position out of their fear of the Zionist regime or due to certain interests, they should know that today the Zionist regime is in a situation where there is no reason to fear it, nor can one expect to gain anything from it.”

Imam Khamenei stated that the solution to regional issues is in the hands of regional countries and this solution should be sought through dialogue. He went on to say, “The issues of Syria and Yemen too can be resolved through dialogue. Of course, dialogue should not take place from a position of weakness while the other side – primarily the US and others – rely on their military and financial power.”

The Supreme Leader stressed that in order to resolve the issues of the region, one does not need the interference of others. The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said, “Wherever the Zionists step in, they bring corruption and they are unable to give any power or concessions to other countries. Therefore, we the countries of the region must strengthen our relations as much as possible through cooperation and consultation.”

Referring to the agreements made between Iran and Qatar, His Eminence emphasized, “These agreements must be fulfilled at a specific time and date.”