TEHRAN -- In a meeting with Bahraini Ambassador to Iran Saleh Abdullah Saleh on Sunday, Expediency Council Chairman Hashemi Rafsanjani referred to the historical, religious and cultural affinities between Iran and Bahrain. He pointed to the role of Bahrain in the history of Islam and Shi'ism and stressed that Iran has always been concerned about its ally Bahrain.

Rafsanjani went on to say that the Islamic world can not remain indifferent toward Palestine, Bait-ul-Moqaddas, and other issues of concern in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Saleh said that Rafsanjani's last trip to Bahrain opened a new chapter in bilateral relations and expressed hope that Iran and Bahrain would further promote their ties in the future.

Saleh stated that friendly ties between the two countries guarantee the interests of both countries and noted that Iran and Bahrain have a common stance in regard to the Iraqi crisis and Palestine.