Hawzah News Agency- Hojatoleslam Motahari-Asl made the remarks on Wednesday during a meeting with Meteh Zaimoglu, Turkey’s Consul General, stressing the longstanding historical, cultural, and civilizational bonds between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey.
“Iran and Turkey share deep-rooted historical and cultural relations,” Motahari-Asl said. “Turkey has always been regarded by Iran as an important, influential, and decisive country in the region.”
Unity as a Strategic Necessity
Referring to repeated efforts by external powers to sow division among Muslim nations, the senior cleric said unity within the Islamic world remains a strategic necessity rather than a mere slogan.
“The enemies of the Islamic Ummah have always sought to weaken relations between Muslim countries,” he noted. “However, since the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the late Imam Khomeini, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, and successive Iranian governments have consistently emphasized the expansion and deepening of relations with Turkey.”
Religious Diversity as a Source of Strength
Motahari-Asl also highlighted Turkey’s religious and doctrinal diversity, describing it as a valuable asset for fostering convergence between the two nations.
“The presence of diverse Islamic sects and beliefs in Turkey is highly valuable to us,” he said. “This diversity constitutes an important capacity for enhancing cultural, religious, and civilizational dialogue between our peoples.”
Deep Cultural and Social Ties
The representative of the Leader described cultural and scientific ties between Iran and Turkey as deeply entrenched, underlining the mutual respect shared by the two nations.
“The Iranian nation holds the Turkish people in high regard,” he said. “This mutual affection is clearly visible, particularly among the people of East Azerbaijan and the city of Tabriz, who maintain deep cultural, historical, and emotional bonds with Turkey.”
Expanding Economic Cooperation
Turning to economic relations, Motahari-Asl said bilateral cooperation has reached a favorable level but holds significant potential for further growth.
“The current level of economic relations between Iran and Turkey is desirable,” he stated. “However, with joint efforts, especially in agriculture, industry, and trade, these ties can and should be expanded further.”
Security Cooperation in Practice
Emphasizing security collaboration, Motahari-Asl said Iran has consistently supported Turkey’s security and stability not only rhetorically but also through concrete action.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always demonstrated its support for Turkey’s security and stability in practice,” he said. “We expect this cooperation to be strengthened further, particularly at the regional and border levels.”
Political Coordination on the International Stage
Referring to international forums, Motahari-Asl noted that Iran has repeatedly supported Turkey’s positions and expressed appreciation for Ankara’s reciprocal stance.
“This political alignment should be reinforced across political, cultural, and economic arenas,” he said.
Gaza, Palestine, and Lessons for the Islamic World
Addressing regional developments, particularly the ongoing situation in Gaza and Palestine, Motahari-Asl said recent events have once again exposed the unreliability of the United States and the Zionist regime.
“What has occurred in Gaza and Palestine has clearly demonstrated that America and the Zionist regime do not adhere to any commitments,” he said. “They disregard the will of Islamic countries and international institutions alike. This reality carries a clear lesson for the Muslim world.”
He added that Turkey’s humanitarian and economic support for the people of Gaza—including the dispatch of aid ships—was met with hostility by the Zionist regime.
“This response proves that Muslim countries must stand united and further strengthen their relations,” he said, “if they are to pave the way for the revival of a new Islamic civilization.”
Role of East Azerbaijan and Tabriz
Concluding his remarks, Motahari-Asl highlighted the strategic role of Tabriz and East Azerbaijan Province in advancing bilateral relations with Turkey.
He called on the Turkish Consul General to intensify efforts to strengthen infrastructure and opportunities for cooperation in cultural exchange, economic development, and tourism, particularly at the regional and provincial levels.
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