President Rouhani says militarism is major challenge for region

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said militarism pursued by certain regional states and the Zionist regime of Israel is a major challenge for the region.

He made the remarks in a phone call with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday, at the advent of Eid Al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice), Mehr News Agency reported.

Congratulating the major Islamic event to the people and government of Qatar, President Rouhani said, "Regional and international circumstances require continued cooperation, contacts and communication between the two countries."

Noting that Iran and Qatar share similar stances on stability and security in the region, he called for taking practical steps towards strengthening stability and balance in the region with the help of friendly countries.

"There are no barriers to the development of relations between the two countries, and we must redouble our efforts to further strengthen bilateral cooperation," President Rouhani further said.

He added that the Islamic Republic has done all it could to advance the United Nations efforts to establish peace in Yemen, adding that the cooperation of Muslim countries in resolving regional problems is a prime objective for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Emir of Qatar, for his part, congratulated Eid al-Adha the people and government of Iran and described Tehran-Doha relation as very friendly and good.

He pointed to the sensitive situation in the region and said that his respective country believes that there is no military solution to regional problems and conflicts.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said that the best way to solve problems is through dialogue and the path of politics.

Muslim people across the world are preparing for Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of the hajj ceremony and the second most important religious festivity after Eid al-Fitr.

Muslims traditionally mark Eid al-Adha by offering special prayers and slaughtering livestock, usually a goat, sheep, a cow or a camel, to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith.

The holiday, coinciding with the hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, begins on Tuesday, and Muslims traditionally mark the occasion by slaughtering sheep or cows and exchanging gifts.

Muslim worshippers take part in countrywide prayers in Iran on the festive occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Source: Iran Daily