Freedom-seekers support Palestinian nation

Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei  made the remark in a meeting with visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse on Tuesday.

Referring to support of the Sri Lankan government for the Palestinian nation, the Supreme Leader said the supporters of the Zionist regime have taken various measures to trample upon the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people such as holding the the US-sponsored Middle East conference in Annapolis but they should be aware that the freedom-seekers as well as those with awakened conscience always support the Palestinian nation.

Referring to the need to further broaden mutual economic, political and cultural cooperation, Ayatollah Khamenei  said the Asian continent has huge capacities for broadening of all-out cooperation among its nations and this should be of prime importance for these states.

IR Leader thanked the Sri Lankan government for its good behavior towards Muslim minority in the country.

The Sri Lankan president, for his part, described his negotiations with Iranian officials as fruitful and said Iran and Sri Lanka enjoy deeply rooted ties and have carried out various economic programs successfully.

The terrorist groups have sought to partition Sri Lanka into two parts but to no avail, he said, adding that "We are now striving to develop various parts of the country."

Referring to formation of a committee in Sri Lanka to voice solidarity with the Palestinian nation, he said, "We strongly condemn the atrocities and aggressions of the Zionists and fully support formation of an independent Palestinian state."

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was also president in the meeting.