TEHRAN - The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution on Sunday suggested a promotion of “moderate and rational” Islam to counter “barbaric” terrorist activities by Daesh and other terrorist groups.

Ayatollah Ali Khameneni made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.

“To counter barbarism and harsh terrorism of Daesh and similar takfiri groups, who commit crimes under the name of Islam, people should be given opportunity to practice proper Islamic activities, and the best way to foil these [terrorist] movements is to strengthen moderate and rational Islamic thoughts,” the Leader noted.

The Leader said “savage crimes” such as slitting throats and burning people alive prove that these people are completely “alien” to Islam.

Islam is the religion of brotherhood and such crimes have nothing to do with Islam, Ayatollah Khamenei remarked.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader described Iran and Turkmenistan as two neighbors with “familial” ties which need to tap their great potential to expand cooperation.

“It is necessary to take effective and practical steps for implementing agreements” signed between the two countries, the Leader added.

The Leader also described the borders between Iran and Turkmenistan as “borders of peace and calm” which have brought rest of mind for the two sides.

Ayatollah Khamenei also said this opportunity that Turkmenistan can use the Iranian soil to access the Persian Gulf and consequently open seas is a “valuable opportunity”.

For his part, Berdimuhamedow said that Iran and Turkmenistan enjoy historic and good relations.

The president also praised Ayatollah Khameneni, calling him a talented and thoughtful leader whose recommendations have brought about good results for Turkmenistan.

“Your statements, as an intelligent leader and thoughtful man, are greatly valuable to us and acting to your recommendations has led to very good results,” Berdimuhamedow pointed out.

He said that there are potential in Turkmenistan and Iran to expand ties in gas and oil industry.

The Turkmen president also said that the political situation in the Middle East region is “unpleasant”.

Pointing to the crimes being committed by Daesh, he said that such groups have nothing to do with Islam and are supported by some governments.

The Turkmen president arrived in Tehran on Sunday and met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

NA/PA