Ali Kebriyaei Zadeh, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka, held a meeting on Monday, January 26 (6 Bahman 1404), with Mr. Nawaz, Head of the Department of Muslim Affairs, along with senior staff members of the department.

During the meeting, Mr. Nawaz and his colleagues presented a report on the activities of the Department of Muslim Affairs. The two sides then discussed opportunities for cooperation between the Cultural Attaché of the Iranian Embassy and the department. Both parties emphasized collaboration in various fields, including Islamic arts, Quran recitation competitions, Quranic research, educational courses on Islamic studies, and the organization of Islamic occasions such as the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Support for Quranic and religious programs of Islamic associations and institutions, as well as initiatives aimed at strengthening unity among Islamic schools of thought—considered one of the most important issues facing the Muslim world today—was also highlighted.

Kebriyaei Zadeh stated that recently a Sri Lankan Quranic calligrapher and several reciters had been nominated to participate in Quranic exhibitions and competitions to be held in Iran.

Mr. Nawaz and the staff of the Department of Muslim Affairs expressed regret over recent developments caused by what they described as the actions of hostile foreign actors. They noted that Iran has achieved significant progress in various fields, particularly in science and technology, achievements that, in their view, are not welcomed by Western countries. As a result, they said, efforts are made to disrupt peace and stability in Iran by fomenting unrest.

The Cultural Attaché elaborated on recent events in Iran, stating that, according to confessions attributed to officers from the Mossad and the CIA, the unrest was the result of a U.S.–Israeli plan aimed at creating violence and chaos in an attempt to overthrow the Islamic system. He added that these efforts were met with strong public resistance and the leadership’s prudence, and that the alleged acts of sabotage ultimately failed. Kebriyaei Zadeh further remarked that the Iranian people, based on nearly a century of historical experience, believe Western powers and the United States have been the source of many acts of interference and conspiracies in Iran, and therefore stand against them.