The Office of the Supreme Leader

Islamic Revolution Leader:

US following the same old path

Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei told visiting Turkish President Abdullah Gul and his entourage on Tuesday night that the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is an example for expansion of economic cooperation but the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey as two important and influential countries in the region enjoying many potential could also enhance their political and security ties.  

Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his satisfaction over the two sides' agreement to boost bilateral ties and said," Junction of Turkish railway to Pakistan and southwest Asia through Iran is an arena for more ties which could spread to other sections."

"Zionists and Americans show their enmity towards consolidation of relations between IRI and Turkey but the two countries should move according to their interests and against these enemies," the IR Leader said.

"The two sides have the will to boost ties because the Iranian government is the government of work and endeavor. The Turkish government also enjoys the same morale," Ayatollah Khamenei added.

The IR Leader lauded the Turkish Prime Minister's bid in the Davos meeting against the Zionist regime's atrocities and said that the issue of Palestine was the first priority of the Islamic world.

Pointing to the developments of Iraq and Afghanistan, the IR Leader said," America made a big mistake in Iraq and Afghanistan and the stance of the new American government over Gaza was another big mistake."

Ayatollah Khamenei noted that the new American government is following the same old path and no sign for compensation of faults is seen.

"The enemies of Islam seek to take the flag of Islam from the Islamic countries and the Islamic Republic of Iran but they would not reach their goal," the IR Leader said.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul for his part termed the relations between the two countries as exemplary in the Islamic world and region and said Turkey is determined to boost ties the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Gul urged for promotion of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and said that the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey able to revive the Silk Road.

He also called on the Islamic countries to make efforts for relieving the pains of the Palestinian nation and restoration their rights.

Meanwhile, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was present in the meeting.
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