The Office of the Supreme Leader

Freedom-lovers stand by Palestinian people

The Islamic Revolution Leader, Ayatollah sayed Ali Khamenei in a Tuesday meeting with the visiting Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapaksa and his accompanying delegation pointed to the history of the two countries' relations and stressed on necessity for expansion of bilateral economic, political and cultural ties.

"The Asia continent has a proper capacity for development of cooperation among its countries to which less attention was paid. It is necessary for the regional states to take effective steps in this regard," the Islamic Revolution Leader said.

Ayatollah Khamenei hailed the policy of the Sri Lankan active government in helping the country's Muslims, adding that "Fortunately, the Sri Lankan statemen have good behaviour towards the Muslims in the country and we appreciate this approach."

Pointing to the Sri lankan government's positive move in supporting the Palestinian people, Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated that "the supporters of Zionists have adopted many measures to trample on the rights of the Palestinian people and holding Annapolis confab is an example of that but the world's pure consciences and freedom-lovers stand by the Palestinian people and support them."

During the meeting, also attended by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Sri Lankan president, Mahinda Rajapaksa described the two sides' negotiations and agreements as successful.

"Iran and Sri Lanka enjoy ancient relations and the two countries have designed several projects and implemented them until now," Sri Lankan President said.

Pointing to terrorism as a problem of his country in recent years, Rajapaksa added that "Terrorists seek to divide the country into two parts but we succeded in cleaning them up and now we endeavor to bring progress to different parts of the country.

The Sri Lankan President pointed out that his country has established a committe to voice solidarity with the Palestinian nation, adding that "We condemn the Zionist agressions and support formation of independent Palestinian government."
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