Pezeshkian underscores unity among Muslims to counter extremism

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned against the spread of extremism globally and urged Muslim countries to unite in countering violence, while also slamming Israeli atrocities in Gaza and Lebanon. 

Pezeshkian made the statement on the second day of his official trip to the Turkmen capital of Ashgabat on Friday at a ceremony in commemoration of the 300th birthday anniversary of the famous Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy, an 18th-century scholar.

Stressing that parts of the Islamic world are under the threat of extremism and the emergence of outfits that see their philosophy of existence in the division of the Islamic society, Pezeshkian said, “When distinguished people like Magtymguly talk about the convergence and unity of Islamic societies, [that is;] they are well aware of dark corners and sufferings of disunion.”

The pursuit of unity is not limited to Islamic societies alone as the need for peace, deepening brotherhood, and fostering a dialogue of consensus is a requirement for the international community today, he said, adding, "However, many elements of unilateralism continue to disrupt the coexistence of the human society in this journey."

Underlining that Islamic unity is a force to address threats and prevent disunion, he said division among Muslims is only of benefit to the enemies and should be dealt with through empathy.

“Islamic teachings have invariably underscored the significance of unity and avoidance of division. By adhering to the principles of Islam, we will evolve to a society based on brotherhood and understanding,” Pezeshkian noted. “Unity in today's international community is a conduit for fighting off extremism and violence.”

Elsewhere in his speech, the Iranian president pointed to the Israeli regime’s year-long onslaught against the besieged Gaza Strip and Lebanon and said the violence was indescribable.

Unity key to expelling aggressors from Muslims’ lands: Iran president

Pezeshkian says Muslims can rout out those who cast covetous eyes on their lands through unity and coherence.

“We see an example of unilateralism in the Palestinian issue and running roughshod over the rights of a nation that has its very own history and culture,” Pezeshkian said.

“The depth of the Gaza crisis and the continuation of this unequal war and the perpetuation of brutal attacks on Lebanon are beyond description.”

Pezeshkian arrived in Turkmenistan on Thursday and was welcomed by Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov as well as ambassador and members of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ashgabat.

During this trip, the Iranian president is also set to meet with the national leader and Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Culture Minister Abbas Salehi are accompanying the president on the trip.

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