Hamenei advises Aliyev to support Shiism

At the meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on February 23 in Tehran, Ayatollah Khamenei said that the political stability and security, peace and social prosperity of Azerbaijan are important for the Iranians. Islam and Shi'ism in Azerbaijan - this is the value that the government should take care of. The more this is done, the more support from the community will receive the government in opposition to the hostile powers,"   the MEHR agency quoted the supreme leader.

"People must  confront  the takfirist  groups. Azerbaijan is a religious center for some of the great Islamic scholars. The government should encourage people to observe religious rituals and what unites people," continued Khamenei.

He highly appreciated the statement of the President of Azerbaijan that the origins of all the threats that confront the two countries are the same. Aliyev said that Tehran and Baku have close relations, and his talks with Iranian officials in Tehran are very important and constructive.

 Aliyev said that Tehran and Baku have common positions on international issues, and Iran plays an important role in restoring peace and stability in the region: "We consider the security of Iran as our own." He emphasized respect for Islamic values and said that the Azerbaijani government is promoting religious beliefs studies.

"Since gaining independence  2000 mosques have been built in Azerbaijan, half of them during my stay in power." Condemning the anti-Islamic movement, the President of Azerbaijan said that the cause of hostility to his country is the religion of the people of Azerbaijan.

"The people of Azerbaijan is Muslim and Shiism, and the existence in the region of such outstanding personalities as you give a lot of energy and effort to the followers of Shia Islam," Aliyev said addressing  Hamenei.-02D-