Iran, Qatar call for Muslim nations' unity

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and visiting Emir (Ruler) of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani on Thursday called for unity and solidarity of the Muslim nations, Xinhua reported according to official IRNA news agency.

    Iranian president termed Tehran-Doha political cooperation as "brilliant," useful for the two countries and the entire region, expressing hope that mutual ties would develop in all fields, the report said.

    If the Islamic countries especially the Persian Gulf states stay shoulder to shoulder for defending the Palestinians, there is no doubt that the Israeli systematic massacre of the Palestinians will stop and the Zionist regime (of Israel) will be subject to restrictions, Ahmadinejad said.

    For his part, Sheikh Hamad referred to Iran as an effective country in the region, adding that his country is keen on cooperation with Tehran and will never change its strategic relations with Iran.

    He expressed hope that Iran and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council would upgrade ties in the near future, according to IRNA.

    Heading a high-ranking delegation, Emir of Qatar arrived in Tehran on Thursday morning for a one-day visit. He is to meet other Iranian high ranking officials.

    Iran and Qatar have made pledges over the past few years to further develop their economic relationship, most specifically their oil and gas cooperation both within and outside of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

    Iran and Qatar together with Russia hold more than 56 percent of the world's natural gas reserves.