Leader Puts Premium on Boosting Ties With Neighbors in Meeting With Qatari Emir

TEHRAN (Iran News) The Leader made the remarks in a meeting with the visiting Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Tehran, describing the Persian Gulf nation as a “friendly and brotherly” country.

Ayatollah Khamenei praised efforts by the administration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to strengthen ties with neighboring states, as exemplified by the Qatari emir’s visit.

He expressed hope that the agreements made during the visit would be beneficial for both nations, enabling them to fulfill their neighborly duties more than ever before.

The Leader also addressed US policies toward Iran and the wider region, asserting that “there is no difference between the presidents of the United States.”

The Leader pointed to Iran’s funds recently unfrozen and transferred from South Korea to Qatar, noting that the US is the main obstacle preventing their return to Iran.

He said the Islamic Republic expected Qatar not to succumb to US pressure.

“If we were in Qatar’s position, we would ignore pressures from Washington and return the assets. We still expect such an action from Qatar,” he stated.

Sheikh Tamim expressed appreciation for Iran’s support of the oppressed people around the world, saying that Iran’s unwavering backing of the Palestinians “will never be forgotten.”

He highlighted the difficult conditions in the region, stating that the situation necessitates increased cooperation among regional countries.

The Emir also mentioned agreements between Iran and Qatar, including a contract for the construction of an underwater tunnel connecting the two countries and the activation of their joint commission.

He expressed optimism that the volume of economic exchanges will increase in the near future.

Earlier President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran and Doha have made significant decisions to deepen relations and open new avenues for cooperation.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani after their meeting in Tehran, Pezeshkian said they discussed bilateral issues to secure the interests of both countries.

The Qatari emir underscored the necessity of creating new opportunities for cooperation, the Iranian president said.

Pezeshkian said one of Iran’s key policies is to develop comprehensive relations with neighboring and regional countries.

“Iran believes regional countries can, based on good neighborliness, mutual respect, and constructive interaction, take steps towards maintaining regional stability and security and lay the groundwork for creating a joint cooperation framework.”

The president said they also discussed the situation in Syria, and that he emphasized the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria and the participation of all its people in determining their fate.

Pezeshkian hailed Qatar’s mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of oppressed Palestinian abductees.

The Iranian president put a premium on the need for more coherent measures by Islamic countries to reduce the suffering and pain of the people of Gaza.

“We believe that all nations and governments in the region and the world should make efforts based on divine and human values to defend the oppressed people of Palestine, notably Gaza.”

Pezeshkian said it was imperative that the Palestinians of Gaza lead a “safe life in their historical land.”

The Qatari emir expressed satisfaction with his visit to Iran, and said such trips can help expand the brotherly and historical relations between the two countries, which are based on good neighborliness.

He said they discussed cooperation in various fields, and underscored the need for creating more opportunities for potential cooperation, especially in the commercial and economic fields.

The Qatari Emir said they also emphasized the importance of following up on the results of the recent Joint Economic Commission meetings and increasing the volume of trade exchanges to achieve stated goals.

Sheikh Tamim said they also discussed the difficult conditions the region is facing.