TEHRAN – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has said that the U.S. should not be let talk about a disintegration of Iraq, highlighting the necessity of maintaining Iraq’s national unity.

“The Iraqi people, including Shia, Sunni, Kurd and Arab, have been living without any problem for centuries, but unfortunately, some countries in the region and foreigners seek to exaggerate the differences,” the Leader said during a meeting with Iraqi President Fuad Masum in Tehran on Tuesday.

The Leader said Iraqi authorities should counter those who exaggerate minor differences between Iraqis, adding, “Any pretext that lay the grounds for differences should also be avoided.”

Ayatollah Khamenei went on to say that the Iraqi officials will definitely establish foreign relations, especially with the U.S., based on the people’s interests, however Washington should not be allowed to consider Iraq as its own property and take any action in the country.

“Now, the Iraqi youths are watchful and become aware of their power and capability and will not bow to the U.S. hegemony,” he said.

The Leader also said that Iran is ready to help Iraq and transfer its experiences in the areas of technology, science and defense to the country.

The Iraqi president said that the Leader’s guidelines on the Iraqi unity will definitely be effective.

Masum pointed to historic, cultural and religious affinities between the two countries and called for expansion of ties in various spheres.

Leader urges Islamic countries to counter terrorism

“The sympathetic Islamic countries should reach a solution to counter terrorists through cooperation,” the Leader said in a separate meeting with Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal on Tuesday.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that the emergence of Daesh and other terrorist groups in the region is not something “ordinary and natural”, adding that these groups are formed and supported by enemies of Islam.

He also pointed to close political views of Iran and Algeria and called for expansion of cooperation especially in economic area.

Sellal said that Iran and Algeria share views on political issues especially in the fight against Daesh and other terrorist groups.

He also expressed hope that the economic relations between the two countries would be expanded.

‘Iran backs any country that resists bullying’

In a separate meeting with Bolivian President Evo Morales, the Leader also said Iran backs any country anywhere in the world that resists against bullying and hegemony.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the U.S. through its “dangerous policy” has targeted the identity of the youth.

“Through strengthening wills and intensification of contacts one should resist against this domineering policy.”

The Iraqi and Bolivian presidents and the Algerian prime minister had visited Tehran to attend the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

NA/PA