ISIL Terrorist Crimes Have Nothing to Do with Islam
“Islam is the religion of fraternity, compassion and benevolence for others and these crimes have nothing to do with Islam,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a meeting with visiting Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow here in Teheran.
The Leader underlined that the best way for blocking the infiltration of the Takfiri currents is to bolster genuine Islamic ideologies, which are moderate and sensible.
“In countering the violent terrorism and barbarism [committed] by ISIL and like-minded Takfiri groups committing these crimes in the name of Islam, people should be given the chance to practice rightful Islamic activities,” the Leader added.
Ayatollah Khamenei also described the nations of Iran and neighboring Turkmenistan as close relatives and underscored the need for the two countries to take “effective and practical” steps with a view to implementing bilateral agreements.
The Leader underlined the necessity for Iran and Turkmenistan to further cooperation amid tense conditions prevailing in the region.
“Iran-Turkmenistan border are frontiers of peace and calm, and are reason for the two sides' peace of mind and the possibility of using the Iran route for access to the Persian Gulf and high seas is a valuable opportunity for Turkmenistan,” said Ayatollah Khamenei.
For his part, the Turkmen president described as unfavorable the ongoing political conditions in the region and noted that ISIL and its followers are foreigners to the teachings of Islam. He expressed regret that certain governments are supporting the ISIL terrorists.
He also expressed delight with his meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei, saying Iran and Turkmenistan maintain historically good ties.
Berdimuhamedow is in Tehran to attend the third Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) summit, slated for Monday.
