The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with Iranian diplomats Monday, shed light on the principles of Iranian foreign policy on regional and international issues as well as the position of the Islamic Republic in the global arena.

In his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted the need to uphold Islamic values, to continue Iran's struggle toward religious democracy and independence from world powers, its opposition to U.S. domination in global affairs, and, finally, to develop ties with other nations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect and non-intervention in the affairs of other states.

The Leader, moreover, talked about the growing U.S. threats against Iran and described them as "serious." He then called on domestic political camps to forge a kind of solidarity that would be able to thwart the plots hatched against the country.

What can be readily concluded from Ayatollah Khamenei's speech is that the Islamic Republic is putting emphasis on religious values as the key to confronting enemy threats along with other concerns such as national interests. Today, Iran's foreign policy is meant to primarily pursue ethical principles besides securing economic and political interests in relations with other countries.

Following the triumph of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran has always considered independence from world powers as a main component of its foreign policy. Today, it is considered one of the most independent countries in the international arena.

The Islamic Revolution has set a standard and an example to world countries who desire to pursue the same struggle of independence from world superpowers. In addition, it has proven to the world that a system combining politics and religion can not only work but can also promise a far humane and ethical government for its adherents.

There is no doubt the Iranian Islamic system has been won public confidence as manifested in people's massive participation in national elections and their presence in Iranian political affairs. Moreover, more and more countries are seeking to boost ties with Iran which is proof of the international community's acceptance of its democratic and Islamic system.

Tehran will always welcome expansion of relations with world nations based on the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in other countries' affairs but insisting on its rejection of U.S. attempts to dominate the world.

In line with its efforts to uphold Islamic principles, the Islamic Republic's foreign policy agenda sets a premium on developing relations with neighbors and with Muslim nations.

Moreover, relations with European states are getting stronger. In fact, Iran and the EU find their stances converging on many international issues and their independent stances in others have won them the respect of a number of advocates of expanded Iran-EU relations here and abroad.

The prospects for expanded relations with Asian nations seems to be growing every day. Iran's economic ties with China, South Korea and Japan are already extensive and these nations naturally have a significant position in Iranian foreign policy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomats overseas are called upon to draw up effective programs to promote Iranian foreign policy and thereby re-enforce Iran's position in the international community and champion its interests in world affairs. To accomplish these towering objectives, they can start by forging new economic agreements with world countries that have the potential of contributing to the growth of the domestic economy.

Foreign Ministry must follow Iran's foreign policy on the basis of the guidelines of the Leader given in the yesterday's meeting to protect Iran's national interests and Iranian nationals abroad.