Leader: Zionist regime seeking to create new Israel in region

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his accompanying delegation late on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by President Hassan Rouhani.

Referring to serious problems faced by the Islamic world from East Asia and Myanmar to North Africa, the Supreme Leader described cooperation between Tehran and Ankara as very significant and effective, saying that it will benefit both nations as well as the Islamic world.

Stressing the need to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries, the Leader said unfortunately, despite numerous capacities, level of economic collaboration has not increased at all and more needs to be done in the field.

Ayatollah Khamenei expressed pleasure over Iran-Turkey cooperation in Astana talks and improving trend of Syrian issues as a result of the collaboration, saying that of course the issue of Daesh and Takfiris will not end this way; rather it requires a long-term and actual plan.

Contending that holding referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan is a betrayal of region and a threat to its future and that it will entail long-term repercussions for the neighboring states, Ayatollah Khamenei said that Iran and Turkey should do everything possible to counter the issue and the Iraqi government should take decisions seriously and take measures to that effect.

Cooperation, sympathy, unified and serious political and economic decisions by Iran and Turkey regarding the event is very important, the Leader said, noting that the US and European governments’ attitude towards the issue is totally different from those of the two countries, as the US is willing to have at its disposal a disturbing agent against Iran and Turkey. Therefore, the Americans and Europeans cannot be trusted.

Pointing to the enemies’ efforts to preoccupy Iran and Turkey and distancing them from the main regional issues, the Leader said that foreign powers, especially the Zionist regime, are seeking means to sow discord and foment dispute.

During the meeting attended by President Hassan Rouhani, Ayatollah Khamenei also underlined that a strategic and long-term should be adopted regarding recent developments and swift decisions should be made thereof.

Erdogan, for his part, stressed the need for establishment of a powerful unity between Iran and Turkey in the region, saying, “We managed to reach a conclusion during negotiations with the Iranian president on Syria and Iraq.”

Stressing the need for joint and simultaneous actions by Iran, Turkey and Iraq on the issue of Iraqi Kurdistan, he said that based on undeniable documents and evidence, the US and Israel have reached a general agreement regarding the subject and Barzani made an unforgivable mistake by holding the referendum.

Erdogan further noted that nobody except Israel has recognized Iraqi Kurdistan, saying that Iraqi neighbors will never accept the decision.

Contending that the US, France and Israel are seeking to split the countries in the Middle East and turn the tide in their own favor, Turkish president said that they have such a plot for Syria and unity as well as unified decision of Iran and Turkey is very important in this respect.

Underlining the need for elevating mutual economic cooperation to 30 billion dollars, Erdogan said that there are more to be done in cooperation with each other, although some will not be happy with development of cooperation and will endeavor to stop the positive steps.ll as the Islamic world.

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