The President of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization has praised the humanitarian initiative of a Turkish cycling group in support of the martyred children of Minab, emphasizing that the gesture goes beyond a simple expression of sympathy and will become a symbol of solidarity among nations in defending the oppressed.

According to the Public Relations and Information Department of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, Hojatoleslam Mohammad Mehdi Imanipour, President of the organization, made these remarks during a meeting with members of a Turkish cycling group who travelled to Iran to express solidarity and seek justice for the schoolchildren killed in Minab. He expressed his appreciation for the Turkish people’s support and sympathy for the Iranian nation.

Referring to the attention the group’s visit had received on social media, Imanipour said that the Iranian people would never forget their kindness and solidarity, noting that true friends of nations reveal themselves during difficult times. He added that during the war, there had been remarkable expressions of sympathy from the Turkish people, including individuals who had driven to Iran’s borders to demonstrate their solidarity with the Iranian people.

Emphasizing that the significance of this humanitarian initiative extended far beyond its outward appearance, the head of the organization stated that, at first glance, the cyclists’ action might appear to be merely an expression of sympathy for children who had unjustly lost their lives. In reality, however, their initiative conveyed a much greater message to the world.

Imanipour pointed to the changes taking place in the world, explaining that for years, Western civilization had been presented as an unparalleled model for humanity. However, recent events had raised serious questions about claims concerning human rights and the performance of international institutions. He observed that the perspectives of many people around the world were changing and that initiatives such as the Turkish cyclists’ journey could help bring the suffering of the Iranian and Palestinian peoples to the attention of the international community.

Addressing the Turkish cycling group, Imanipour said: “You are giving a voice to the suffering of the Iranian and Palestinian peoples, and through your actions, you are demonstrating that you stand on the right side of history.” He described the initiative as a valuable contribution to defending the oppressed and promoting peace and mutual understanding among nations.

In another part of his remarks, Imanipour referred to the impact of the martyrdom of Iran’s late leader and other Iranian martyrs on social solidarity. He stated that they believed the blood of martyrs helped keep the revolution and the country alive, adding that one of the blessings of these sacrifices was the awakening of the people and the strengthening of national unity.

He also highlighted the extensive activities of Persian-language media outlets operating against Iran and the influence of cognitive warfare on public opinion. He stressed the importance of responsible and informed storytelling, as well as communicating realities on the ground to the international public.

In conclusion, Imanipour recalled a famous verse by the Persian poet Saadi:

“O Saadi, a person of good name never truly dies.”

He thanked the members of the Turkish cycling group for their humanitarian initiative and expressed hope that their names would remain in the collective memory of nations with honour, kindness and respect because of their compassionate actions.