Iran's ex-president: Problems of Islamic world can be solved by Iran-Saudi Arabia cooperation

Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 27

By Umid Niayesh, Saeed Isayev - Trend: Problems of Islamic world can be resolved by a comprehensive plan based on the fundamentals of Iran and Saudi Arabia cooperation, Chairman of Iran's Expediency Council, Iran's former president Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said during his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Nov. 27, Mehr news agency reported.

Responding to Berri`s request to talk with Saudi ruler Abdullah bin Abdel Aziz, Rafsanjani recalled his visit to Saudi Arabia a few years ago, as well as his talks with bin Abdel Aziz, regarding establishment of joint commissions on disputed issues.

Speaking of Iran and Saudi Arabia's important position among Islamic countries, Lebanese Speaker said that Islamic world expects Rafanjani to play, once again, a historic role in bringing Muslim communities together.

Rafsanjani in turn criticized extremism in Islamic world.

Rafsanjani is one of the few Iranian political figures who has enjoyed good relations with Saudi leaders.

In an interview with the Financial Times which released on Nov. 26, he said he was ready to travel to Riyadh and had been invited by King Abdullah to perform last month's hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage.

His intention would be "to reassure them (the Saudis) that friendship with Iran benefits the region and both countries".

But a future trip needed preparation and a decision within Iran on "how we are going to deal with (Saudi Arabia) in a win-win situation".

According to the report, Rafsanjani is concerned of increasing tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

While Iran supports Lebanese Hezbollah and Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Saudi Arabia is a key supporter of Syrian regime's armed opposition.

Rafsanjani acknowledged that Iran "can play a better role" in Syria than it is doing now, but said the fate of Assad would ultimately be decided by Syrians.