Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting on Tuesday with Austrian President Heinz Fischer, referred to the US government’s enmity with the Islamic Revolution due to losing its interests in Iran, saying some European countries’ following the US’ hostile policies vis-à-vis Iran is irrational. Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Of course, Austria is not one of these countries and it is necessary that officials in both countries make and follow up on plans on further enhancement of relations.” 

In the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei said the main objective of the Islamic Revolution was to bring happiness and prosperity for Iranian people and all humans under the aegis of “following the divine path, the rule of wisdom and faith coupled with action”, saying: “Of course, this benevolent approach of ours has enemies at the international level who are after warmongering and pitting nations against one another, but Iran has plenty of good and kind friends among governments and nations.”

Referring to the irrational enmity of some European countries towards Iran following the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The Islamic Revolution took Iran from the Americans, who had the country under their full control, and this issue is the reason behind the US animosity against the Islamic Republic. However, certain European countries’ following the US is unwise and groundless. Of course, Austria is not one of these countries.”

Underscoring the necessity of planning to upgrade relations between the two countries, in response to a question by Mr Fischer about the future of relations between Iran and European states, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Some remarks have been made by the European governments, but we should wait for the practical outcome of these remarks.”

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution went on to highlight moves and acts of corruption committed in the name of Islam by deviant elements operating in the Middle East region, saying: “Islam is not what these [deviant] currents are introducing, but Islam is founded on a strong, faithful and wise basis.”

In the meeting which was also attended by President Hassan Rouhani, the Austrian president appreciated the hospitality of Iran and assessed his negotiations with Iranian officials as good. “We have to work on [different] subjects and dialogs in order to reach further agreements,” he said. 

Expressing pleasure with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution’s positive view of Austria, Fischer said: “My talks with Mr Rouhani were good and we are optimistic about the future.”

“Now, a new opportunity has emerged for joint cooperation,” the Austrian president said.