Terrorist Crimes Have Nothing to Do with Islam: Ayatollah Khamenei

“Islam is the religion of fraternity, kindness, and benevolence toward others, and these (terrorist) crimes have nothing to do with Islam,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a meeting with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow in Tehran on Sunday.

Imam Khamenei was referring to the barbaric crimes committed by the terrorist groups, such as beheading and burning people, saying the atrocities prove that they know nothing about Islam.

The Leader also called for continued cooperation between Iran and Turkmenistan, hailing the two countries’ security in the tumultuous situation in the region.

“In the face of the barbarity and violent terrorism of Daesh and other Takfiri groups similar to it, which commit these crimes in the name of Islam, people (in regional countries) must be given the chance to get involved in correct Islamic activities, and the best way to thwart the influence of such currents is to bolster moderate and rational Islamic intellectual movements,” Ayatollah Khamenei explained, according to Leader’s official website.

The Supreme Leader also described the two nations of Iran and Turkmenistan as neighbors, who are like close relatives, and while underscoring the necessity of using their enormous potentialities for the development of bilateral cooperation, added, “It is necessary that effective and practical steps be taken with seriousness in order to implement agreements reached (between the two countries).”

The Leader stated that security, welfare and progress of neighboring and Muslim countries would be in the interest of the Islamic Republic, adding, “The borders of Iran and Turkmenistan are frontiers of peace and calm and are a 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.”

For his part, the Turkmen President expressed delight over his trip to Tehran and described his meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei as a source of honor.

“Iran and Turkmenistan have always enjoyed good and historical relations, and have shared each other’s grief and happiness, and your remarks that Iran and Turkmenistan are not only two neighbors, but also (like) two (close) relatives, encourage and hearten the government and nation of Turkmenistan,” he added.

Recalling recommendations given by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution during his previous visits to Tehran, Berdimuhamedow said, “As a wise leader and a thoughtful person, your remarks are of high value to us and acting upon your recommendations has had very good results for us.”

Heading a high-ranking delegation of Turkmen officials, Berdimuhamedow is in Tehran to attend the 3rd GECF (Gas Exporting Countries Forum) Summit.

The GECF is a gathering of the world's leading gas producers and was set up as an intergovernmental organization with the objective to increase the level of coordination and strengthen the collaboration among member countries.