ASHRAFF A SAMAD
COLOMBO – Iranian President Dr Ebrahim Raisi condemned the inhuman killing of children in Gaza and called for a free Palestine state.
The president who concluded a day’s visit to Colombo, was speaking at the Kollupitiya Jumma mosque after Magrib prayers on Wednesday,April 24.
President recalled the pledge made by the founder of Iran Ayaotallah Khomeini 45 years ago for a free Palestine .
“ Zionists who are Israelis are acting as the most dangerous people in this world and no one in the world will accept their actions. Innocent children and elders are being killed mercilessly,” he added. .For this America stands.
“ Iran, is progressing as a leading country in the world in the fields of modern science and technology, engineering, and hydropower, he said .
“ Our projects in hydropower, engineering and science are being implemented in more than 20 countries in the world. As a part of it, we have developed this project in Sri Lanka where we have also shared our scientific developments.
Muslim countries in this world should be independent, secure and maintain their sovereignty. “ But no country would like the United States use some strategies to keep itunder its control and create wars and conflicts between countries.
“The Iran-Iraq war has been going on for eight years. Many perished in that war and they did not succeed in that war.”
The President also conducted the Magrib prayers at the mosque.
The All-Ceylon Jammiyyathul. Ulama Secretary General Arkam Noor. Ahmith Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said that Iran had helped Sri Lanka in several ways and President Ranil Wickremesinghe and he had invited the President of Iran to Sri Lanka to inaugurate the Uma Oya project three months ago. Ali Sabri also stressed that Sri Lanka has always stood for the cause of Palestine at all times.
Earlier in the day at the inauguration of Uma Oya project, Raisi emphasized Iran’s readiness to expand bilateral relations not only with Asian countries but also with neighboring and independent states.
“We stand fully ready to further expand bilateral relations with all Asian countries, our neighbouring countries, and sovereign and independent states,” Raisi said.
He highlighted Sri Lanka’s status as a sovereign and independent nation with policies aligned with Iran, which presents opportunities for fruitful cooperation between the two countries.
Raisi’s visit to Sri Lanka marked the first by an Iranian president in 16 years.
During the visit, five agreements, or Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), were set to be signed between Iran and Sri Lanka.
President Raisi’s visit signifies both nations’ commitment to deepening ties and expanding cooperation across various sectors, including the economy, tourism, science, and technology.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Ali Sabry, expressed readiness to implement economic projects led by Iranian experts, acknowledging Iran’s industrial and economic capabilities.