President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke to the Editors-in-Chief of The Peninsula and Al Sharq on a wide range of issues, from the Islamic Republic’s nuclear ambitions to its relations with neighbours and political and economic issues confronting his government, in Tehran on Thursday. Excerpts …

How do you view Iran-Qatar relations? How can they stabilise security in the region and what is the message of the Qatari Prime Minister’s visit to Iran?

My greetings to the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the Qatar government on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. I hope the situation would further improve this month. Our relations are deep-rooted and are based on brotherhood, especially those with the Emir. We always consult on key issues and benefit from his advice.

This friendly relation between the two countries gives the opportunity to resolve regional issues in the best manner. Qatar’s initiative to solve the Lebanese conflict is praiseworthy and highly valuable. We always supported this and stood side by side with this mission.

Qatar played a key role in bringing about peace and brotherhood in the Gulf region and its efforts continue. This will help reduce foreign intervention. [Read More]