Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian held talks with Senior Cleric Grand Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi in the city of Qom on Thursday (October 31), briefing him on activities so far conducted by his government.
The meeting took place as part of schedule of President Pezeshkian during his daylong trip to Qom, a religious city located south of the capital Tehran. It was also part of the president’s meetings with senior clerics who are regarded as sources of emulation for followers of Shia Islam.
During talks with Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, Pezeshkian said that the country is facing many problems, but he added he believes that “with internal cohesion and unity, we can solve problems. But if we continue our disagreements, the problems will not be resolved.”
The president said that he had long planned to visit Qom, but his busy schedule at the start of taking office prevented the trip.
“All my efforts are aimed at attracting people’s satisfaction, and this goal can be achieved only through national unity and internal integrity”, Pezeshkian stressed.
Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi wished the government success in its job, and asked the president to accelerate measures aimed at resolving the housing problem currently faced by many people.
The cleric also called for speeding up efforts to complete unfinished projects in Qom Province, including a plan being implemented to build an airport there.