TEHRAN – Extremists who operate in Somalia and other parts of the world are sponsored by arrogant powers, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in a meeting with Somali Parliament Speaker Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden whose country has been the scene of civil war, terrorism, and interference by foreign countries in the recent years.

“Extremists carry out their inhuman actions with support of corrupt and arrogant global powers,” Ahmadinejad said on Monday.
“Extremism has created problems not only in Somalia but also in various places around the world like Afghanistan and Pakistan,” he stated.
The president called for solidarity among Islamic countries in the campaign against extremist groups which carry out evil actions in the name of Islam.
“Fortunately, thanks to the resistance put up by the nations, all these extremist groups and their masters (global powers) are in decline,” he asserted.
Ahmadinejad also assured that the Islamic Republic of Iran backs establishment of peace and stability in Somalia.
The Somali parliament speaker said that Somalia regards strength and progress of Iran as a support for itself and the Muslim world.
Aden also said that insecurity in Somalia is the result of foreign countries’ interferences.
Somalia is an Islamic country, and because the global powers want to undermine Islam, they create instability in this country, he said.
Somalia pleased with its friendly relationship with Iran
In a separate meeting with Iranian acting Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, Aden said that Somalia is pleased with its long and resilient relationship with Iran.
On the problems afflicting Somalia, he said unfortunately the main issue facing Somalia which is the civil war has been aggravated by foreign intervention, extremists’ actions, drought, and famine.
He also thanked Iran for the humanitarian aid it has provided for Somali people.
Salehi said Iran is ready to help establish peace and stability in Somalia.
“We disapprove of extremism and violence in the name of religion,” Salehi stated.
“It is so sad that we see the Somali people are faced with these problems,” he said, adding, “We are sure that the Somali nation can resolve the domestic issues without the intervention of others.”