Speaking at a meeting with the visiting South Korean President, Park Geun-Hye, in Tehran on Monday, Ayatollah Khamenei said the resistance against foreign factors’ influence is one of the essential requirements for the two countries’ cooperation.
“The relations between Iran and South Korea should not be dependent on sanctions (imposed on Iran) or under the impact of the US influence and malice,” the Leader said.
“But” Ayatollah Khamenei added “the two countries’ relations should be sustainable, stable, strong and friendly.”
The Leader also noted that in addition to close trade ties, Iran attaches importance to contracts which are needed by the country’s infrastructure sector and public economy.
Ayatollah Khamenei further said the Islamic Republic maintains a positive view towards Asian nations, adding that Iran and South Korea will both benefit from sustainable ties.
“We believe that there is a greater prospect for understanding, agreement and cooperation with these (Asian) countries including South Korea which is among the advanced Asian countries,” the Leader added.
Elsewhere, Imam Khamenei highlighted the threats posed by terrorism, and said, “If terrorism and insecurity are not tackled realistically and properly, countering them will become more difficult in the future and no country will be immune to this danger.”
Also at the meeting, the South Korean president said Ayatollah Khamenei’s insistence on Iran’s economic, scientific and industrial development heralds a very good future for the country.
Earlier on Monday, Park held talks with her Iranian counterpart, the first meeting between the two countries’ presidents since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1962.