TEHRAN – Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, said on Friday that improving Iran’s relations with all Muslim countries is a top priority. 

Speaking at an annual military parade in Tehran, Qalibaf said, “We believe that the people’s happiness lies in severing reliance on foreigners and relying on the will of the people. We affirm that boosting relations with all Islamic countries is a top priority for the Islamic Republic’s foreign policy.”

He added, “Today, we are witnessing this opportunity for harmony and cooperation among Islamic countries.”

Qalibaf expressed hope that cooperation in achieving sustainable peace and development in the region would eventually bear fruit. 

The parliament speaker also addressed issues relating to Iran’s internal affairs, saying all officials should do their best to prove the success of religion in running the country. 

“We should prioritize serving the people and consider increasing efficiency, and all our efforts should be to prove the efficiency of religion in the administration of society,” he said, according to Fars News. 

Also, Qalibaf underlined the need for Iran to build a sea-based civilization, which is backed by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.