TEHRAN - Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Iran’s foreign minister, has condemned certain nations for their “indefensible” backing for the burning of sacred texts under the flag of free expression.

The comments were made by Amir Abdollahian during a meeting with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, on Sunday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly Session in New York.

“In the world’s current situation that divine books are being desecrated, dialogue between the leaders and followers of the Abrahamic religions is more important than ever,” he said.

Amir Abdollahian continued by saying, “The move by certain governments to issue permission for the desecration of religious sanctities and divine books under the pretext of freedom of expression is totally indefensible.”

The Iranian President Raisi’s speech at the UN General Assembly, in which he held up a copy of the Quran and denounced the most recent blasphemous Quran burnings in Sweden and Denmark, was also mentioned by the minister.

He said that “the fires of disrespect will not overcome the divine truth.”

Amir Abdollahian expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for denouncing the Quran burning and said that all European nations should do the same.

The foreign minister also emphasized the Islamic Republic’s efforts to put a stop to the Ukraine war.

“Iran does not consider war a solution. It supports any initiative to achieve peace in Ukraine,” he added.

Gallagher, for his part, expressed satisfaction with the meeting and appreciated Amir Abdollahian for presenting important views.

Additionally, he stated that everyone must contribute to bringing about peace in Ukraine.

He also anticipated that the restoration of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia would benefit the region.

Amir Abdollahian also emphasized the importance of a worldwide response to the terrorism that has gripped West Asia.