Statements in Meeting with the President and Members of the Cabinet

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Well, there is not much time left; I must be brief about the points I wanted to convey. We thank you for the explanations provided by the friends. We hope, God willing, that what you have in mind and the efforts you have made and the plans you have will be realized outside with follow-ups; God willing, it will happen.

This occasion is intertwined with the memory of our dear martyrs, Martyr Rajai, Martyr Bahonar, and also Martyr Iraqi; these are brilliant figures. Keeping the names of these martyrs alive is, in fact, keeping the discourse of the revolution and the value of martyrdom alive. This occasion is also an opportunity for us to express our gratitude for the services rendered in the executive branch; both what the senior managers of the institutions do and what the staff of the institutions strive for. Fortunately, today there is a collective effort. This week of government provides us the opportunity to thank them as well. It is also an opportunity for you; not only to present reports and the work that has been done to familiarize the public with the facts - which is necessary - but in addition, it is an opportunity for self-evaluation of the executive branch officials; to truly examine and recognize the strengths and weaknesses, to strengthen what has led to their progress; and also to eliminate what has caused setbacks and weaknesses that are evident in society and in people's lives. In other words, consider this week of government as an opportunity for yourselves; especially since this year is the last year of this government.

I clearly remember that in a meeting we had during the first occasion of the week of government with these same friends who are mostly present, we mentioned that opportunities pass like lightning and wind. Now you see that most of this long and good opportunity has passed; one year remains. Of course, one year is also a great opportunity. One should not think about what we can do in this remaining year; no, in this one year, you can accomplish many significant tasks. This last year of your government is also important; both in terms of international conditions and the existing circumstances, it is a very important year - meaning you are facing the power struggle of the arrogant powers who are expending all their efforts to possibly force you into retreat and acceptance of defeat; you too must use all your capabilities to shatter this false illusion in the enemy's mind - and also in terms of being the last. In fact, in the last year, you want to organize and prepare this lengthy and substantial book of the government's services and hand it over. In other words, this year’s work, if we do not say it should be more serious than ever, undoubtedly in this last year, there should be no negligence or slackness in work.

Fortunately, the country is progressing - regardless of the statistics we provide - global observers say the same; they also confirm that the country is progressing in various aspects. Of course, some have misconceptions, which are not based on accurate assessments.

Well, our enemies are also taking new actions, which require new measures and strategies; this must always be kept in mind. Now some friends pointed out that the enemies make a decision, and we engage in activities in response to that decision; very well, this is a very good action; however, it is better to anticipate what they will do before they make that decision. For instance, if you had anticipated the problem of the displacement of financial resources and the consequences of oil sales beforehand and mentioned it; or the problems they created in buying and selling oil, transferring oil, and insurance, we would have anticipated all of them beforehand. Prepare the paths in advance. It is the same now. That is, do not assume that the enemy has given up its hostilities; no, they are looking for ways to act. Because the actions they have taken have not yielded results, they will certainly seek other strategies - which, of course, will also not yield results - you should anticipate those strategies and prepare yourselves in advance.

A point was made here, which has been raised with me before, that concentration in the economic decision-making of the executive branch is necessary. Of course, I completely agree with this; that is, undoubtedly in major decision-making, in fundamental issues - which currently the most fundamental is economic issues; especially those related to the livelihood of the people and the pressures that the enemy wants to impose on the people - there must be concentration in decision-making; however, note that this concentration in decision-making means concentration of decision-making within the government; that is, all individuals in various sectors of the government who cooperate with the President must feel a shared responsibility - that is, they must coordinate - in the government, everyone must decide together. In this regard, the issue of shared responsibility must be taken seriously in the government. Every action that a ministry takes, all the ministers and officials sitting around the cabinet table must feel that they are partners in this decision-making or action. If this happens, then work will proceed with coordination; there will be no discrepancies in performance, no discrepancies in understanding issues, no discrepancies in statistics.

All capabilities must come to the field and the scene. The country has good capacities, good capabilities; there are high capacities both within the government and outside it. I sometimes see that some officials in sectors seek intellectual assistance from individuals outside the government structure; this is a good thing; expand this, utilize this capacity. There are individuals who are sincerely and enthusiastically willing to be alongside the government and cooperate with it; these forces should be utilized; they are part of the country's capacities. Fortunately, there are many capacities within the government as well.

Well, there are strengths; there are also weaknesses. In summarizing strengths and weaknesses, when we look, we prefer strengths; but this does not mean that we should not eliminate weaknesses. Well, over the past few years, extensive construction work has been done in the country; especially in remote areas, in various sectors; these are truly important works; this is a very significant approach in the government's movement. From this issue to the remarkable advancements that have occurred in the field of science and technology. The advancements that have taken place in these past few years in the field of science and technology are very noteworthy.

In terms of elevating the country's position in foreign policy and international issues, it is the same. Today, in the realm of foreign policy, the weight and significance of the country is different from a few years ago; we are influential in issues; this is important. In the events that have occurred, we have been influential - which has its own separate story - in our opinion, that is also very important.

Another aspect of these strengths that I believe should be emphasized is the prominence of revolutionary values. In these years that the ninth and tenth governments have been in power until today, the discourse of the revolution and revolutionary values and the things that Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) recommended and we learned from the revolution have fortunately been completely highlighted: the issue of simplicity of the officials, opposition to global arrogance, pride in revolutionary action. There was a period when the name of the revolution and revolutionary action had fallen into isolation; they tried to refer to these things as a negative value or anti-value; articles were written, speeches were made, it was said. Today, fortunately, this is not the case; quite the opposite; the general inclination of the people and the officials of the country is towards revolutionary movement, revolutionary orientation, revolutionary values, and the foundations of the revolution. Keep in mind that one of the factors of people's inclination towards the government is these values; that is, people value these values. The issue of calling for justice, the issue of simplicity, the distance of officials from luxury; these are very important matters.

The government's efforts to connect with the people, the extraordinary work that is fortunately observed in the government; these are good things. Of course, note that this extensive effort you are making should be accompanied by good quality and by acting on what you say; focus on this. Of course, it is natural that you want to be able to act on what you say - there is no doubt about that - but focus on this commitment that whatever is promised by you should be seen by the people at the appointed time. If out of a hundred tasks you mention, ninety are accomplished, and ten are not, this will create a disturbance in the minds of the people. What one anticipates may not happen should be expressed as a possibility, not as certainty. In my opinion, this is very important.

Well, every observer feels and sees that the enemies' efforts to confront the Islamic Republic in recent years, especially in the last six or seven years and particularly in the last two or three years, have increased. In my opinion, two or three factors are influential; if we know where the enemies' motivations stem from, we will better understand our responsibilities in our planning. In my opinion, one of the reasons for these hostilities is your advancements; that is, they want to slow down these advancements. The Islamic Republic, with its claim of seeking Islam, with its claim of Islamic democracy, with its rejection and refutation of liberal democracy, poses a danger to the arrogant organizations of the world. The more you advance, the greater this danger becomes for them. They want to prevent this.

The second factor of these hostilities is the revival of revolutionary slogans. When the revolutionary slogans fade away, become hidden, they naturally prefer that, and they take on a more accommodating face; the more you highlight the revolutionary slogans, the more their faces become grim and hostile; this is natural.

Another factor is the events in the region; this Islamic awakening and what has happened in our region, which is an extraordinarily important event. In my opinion, the vast dimensions of this event that has occurred in North Africa and our Islamic region are not yet well recognized by many; something very significant has happened. Behind this issue is the hand of divine power.

Well, if there exists a hassle-free, worry-free Iran here, with the same slogans it has, with the same actions it is taking, with the same noticeable advancements, if those countries come to see the factories, the universities, the research centers, the living conditions of the people, the markets full of goods, the hassle-free government, it is obvious and natural that they will say that this is a good model. They want this not to happen. They want to create troubles for the Islamic Republic so that those countries that have undergone transformations and entered a new phase do not take it as a model for continuing their path.

Now, of course, some people publish articles in newspapers, on websites, and in various forums; that why we have created enemies in the world that they oppose us so much! In my opinion, these are mere fabrications. What is said is not based on a correct analysis. No, the hostilities are very natural. When Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) was alive, hostilities were high; because of Imam's firm positions. The weaker our positions become and we retreat, they naturally take on a seemingly more smiling face. Of course, they advance. That is, they make their faces smile so that they can advance, seize areas, and prevent us from achieving our goals. The more serious and determined we are in our movement, the more they become upset and their faces become grim. Of course, until now, in these thirty-three years, they have not been able to stop us, and God willing, they will not be able to in the future. Therefore, fortunately, the situation of the country is like this. Of course, there are difficulties, there are weaknesses, there are problems, which we must also pay attention to; but overall, when one looks, the movement of the country is a movement towards progress.

In my opinion, the main problems are those related to the livelihood of the middle and lower classes of society. What is this due to? I do not want to analyze this here. There are certainly weaknesses; these weaknesses should be discussed with the managers themselves. There is no need for those who have access to microphones and podiums to start counting weaknesses; because stating weaknesses in the public space does not solve a problem. If there is a weakness, it should be addressed to the person who has the weakness; but the effects and results of those weaknesses are indeed evident; they can be raised.

What I find important is that there are economic problems for the lower classes; this must be addressed. Now part of these problems is due to inflation. We do not have a shortage of goods in the country; fortunately, various goods needed by the people are abundantly available in the country; however, the issue of high prices and reduced purchasing power exists; this must be remedied; this is the responsibility of various economic sectors; that is, both the economic headquarters and the operational economic sectors - such as the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad, and other sectors - must pursue this seriously, God willing.

Those who are economic experts, whether inside the government or outside it, tell me that this issue is related to the increase in liquidity; that is, they consider the increase in liquidity to be the most important factor. We do not only hear this from those outside the government, but also those inside the government, when we ask them, say the same and report it to us. You must find a way to control the increased liquidity. Well, this is clear; if there is production in front of liquidity, if there are goods, if there is no shortage, it does not create a problem; if, however, liquidity exceeds the production of goods domestically or in the correct form of imports, it will naturally create problems.

Well, there are many factors of liquidity. The cash subsidies that are given - which have been beneficial for some classes - themselves create increased liquidity. The construction projects you are undertaking - which have long payback periods - undoubtedly create increased liquidity. The issue of Mehr housing that was discussed, or the unfinished projects that you are increasing, this work being done in the government - which is a good and necessary work - itself creates increased liquidity. For this issue, you must find solutions. You are knowledgeable individuals, you have experience, your hands are in the work; find solutions for these. Direct this increased liquidity towards centers that help open up work for the people; like production.

The private sector must be supported. The fact that we have proposed "resilient economy" has conditions, it has pillars; one of its sections is precisely reliance on the people; these policies of Article 44 must be pursued with emphasis, diligence, and meticulousness; this is one of your fundamental tasks. In some cases, I hear from the officials of the country that the private sector does not come forward due to its weaknesses. Well, you must think of ways to empower the private sector; now through banks, through necessary laws and regulations; by any means necessary, work to activate the private sector, the people's sector. Ultimately, resilient economy means that we should have an economy that maintains a growth trajectory while reducing its vulnerability. That is, the economic situation of the country and the economic system should be such that it is less susceptible to the tricks of the enemies, which will always be present in various forms, and does not become disrupted. One of its conditions is to utilize all the capacities of the government and the people; both the thoughts and ideas and strategies provided by experts should be utilized, and the resources should be used.

The people must also truly be given a chance. Of course, in the statements of friends, reference was made to some of these events that stem from the pursuit of economic corruptors and economic corruption. It is truly impossible for us to do sound and strong economic work without fighting against economic corruption; this is indeed unfeasible. A few years ago, when I discussed this issue and conveyed some points to the officials of the country, I paid attention to this point, that it should not be assumed that we can have popular investment and healthy public work without fighting against economic corruption; and it should not be assumed that fighting against economic corruption will reduce people's participation and investment; no, because most of those who want to enter the economic field are honest workers, good people; now one or two dishonest individuals may be found. You must vigilantly monitor that individuals do not come under the guise of creating employment and entrepreneurship to obtain bank facilities, but real entrepreneurship does not take place. This must be monitored; both you must monitor, and the judiciary must monitor. In my opinion, cooperation between the executive branch and the judiciary is very necessary here.

Another pillar of the resilient economy is support for national production; industry and agriculture. Well, the statistics provided by the gentlemen are good; but on the other hand, from within the government, the officials tell us that some factories are facing problems, disruptions exist, and in some places, industries are shut down - various reports reach us, you also report; that is, I have other reports, but my reliance is not on others' reports; your own reports also reach us - well, this must be remedied. These will naturally create problems. If this second part of the issue - that is, the empty half of the glass - did not exist, you would today present a better economic situation in the country and provide more assistance to the people. Ultimately, support for national production is the endogenous part of our economy, and we must rely on this.

Activate small and medium enterprises. Of course, fortunately, our large enterprises are active, they are good, and their profitability is good, their work is good, their employment is good; the majority of our large enterprises are in this situation - thus, as you said, our cement product, our steel product, and our major products are good - but you must think of small and medium enterprises; these are very important, they have direct impacts on people's lives.

The issue of currency resources is also an important issue; which, well, now the gentlemen are paying attention. Pay close attention to this issue, a lot of work must be done. It is truly necessary to manage currency resources properly. Now reference was made to the base currency; in this regard, various statements were issued by the government. That is, in newspapers, one official said one thing; the next day or two days later, another thing was said. Do not let this happen. A decisive decision must be made, that decision must be insisted upon, and the issue must be pursued. In any case, currency resources must be managed precisely.

One issue in the resilient economy is consumption management. Consumption must also be managed. The issue of waste and excess is a significant issue in the country. Well, how should waste be prevented? Cultural development is also necessary, practical action is also necessary. Cultural development is primarily the responsibility of the media. In this regard, both the state television and radio, first and foremost, and other agencies have responsibilities. You must create a culture. We are a Muslim nation interested in Islamic concepts; waste is prohibited in Islam, and unfortunately, we are wasteful in our lives! The operational aspect, in my opinion, should begin with the government itself. In your reports, I read, now some friends have stated that the government is seeking to save and wants to economize; very well, this is necessary; take this seriously. The government itself is a very large consumer. From gasoline to various equipment, the government is a large consumer. Truly, economize in consumption. Economizing is a very necessary and important matter.

Pay attention to the consumption of domestic products. In your organization, in your ministry, if new work is being done, if new items are being purchased, if the daily items needed by the ministry are being procured, try to ensure that everything is sourced domestically; insist on this; this alone can make a significant difference. Prohibit and say that no one has the right to consume foreign goods in this ministry. In my opinion, these can help.

Another issue in the framework of the resilient economy is knowledge-based economy. Some of those who have been active in knowledge-based companies came here during Ramadan and spoke. Well, fortunately, one sees that good work has been done. This section of knowledge-based companies and knowledge-based economic activities is a very promising and hopeful path. Of course, they also had complaints. In my opinion, the responsible friends in the government whose work relates to this sector - whether the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, or the Ministry of Science - should address the issue of knowledge-based companies, listen to their complaints, and resolve them. There is a very good opportunity. We have outstanding talents that can help in this regard.

The issue of national unity and cohesion is also, in my opinion, very important; that we have repeated this issue so much that it seems the words have lost their effectiveness in conveying meaning! We must all speak the same language. Officials must align their orientations accurately and in accordance with each other; this is the responsibility of everyone. Let us not blame each other for failures. That we say, we want to do such and such work, they do not let us; or we did such and such work, they blocked it; or we made such and such decision, they did not act, did not implement - that the various branches and sectors blame each other - no one will accept this. Ultimately, the areas of responsibility are clear; one must legislate, one must execute, one must set policies, one must operationalize. Everyone must act in coordination with each other. We must not underestimate the interaction of the branches with each other. Of course, the audience of this statement is not only the executive branch; the judiciary and the legislative branch are also the audience of this issue; various executive agencies that are not within the government - such as the armed forces and others - are also included in this address. Everyone must pay attention to this meaning. Of course, the media and those who hold podiums and platforms have roles. The media plays a significant role in creating unity or creating division. Today, with the expansion of information and news centers and the internet, words from any language, from any voice, reach everyone's ears. Many do not observe this. Those who are responsible, whether in the government or outside it, must pay great attention to ensure that this freedom that the Islamic system has granted to express truths is utilized correctly; in the direction of creating work enthusiasm, hope, solidarity, and cohesion.

Well, in the field of culture, there was no opportunity for the gentlemen to report. I will say one sentence: we should not settle for superficial work. Pay attention to deeper, more fundamental works, works from which dozens of tasks emanate and arise. At one time, I provided a copy of those necessary deep works to the President; those must be pursued and should have been pursued. In the field of culture, we must be very vigilant not to assist the "aggressive culture". Aggressive culture is dangerous. If we cannot protect the public culture of the country and the culture that guides the elites, the people, and various classes towards a goal from the enemy's harm, it will be very difficult; whatever you decide, they will come and ruin it and reflect it differently.

The issue of cyberspace is also important, which now there is no time to discuss. The issue of revolutionary diplomacy is also extremely important, which there is no opportunity to elaborate on. In my opinion, good activities are being carried out in the field of diplomacy. Our diplomacy must be accompanied by the spirit of the revolution - that is, revolutionary Islam - this is what gives us an edge. Today, the peoples of the region like the Islamic Republic because of its courageous independent Islamic stance; this must be preserved. In various parts of the world, people prefer the officials of the Islamic Republic who demonstrate this courage, this independence, this fearlessness more. Well, this is a sign that this is the way. Our diplomacy should be in this direction; which, fortunately, friends are making great efforts.

Maximum benefit should be taken from these regional events for the goals of the revolution. These regional events - as I mentioned - are very important events and have dealt a heavy blow to the direction of global arrogance in this region. You should certainly know; America and Zionism - not just the Zionist government, but the powerful, active, and influential Zionist organizations in the world - will not be able to save themselves from the harms of this great movement that has occurred for a long time. They have truly been caught off guard by these events. Of course, they are trying to overcome it and ride the wave. In some areas, they may be able to, but on a larger scale, they will not be able to and cannot. This is a very important opportunity for the Islamic Republic to take advantage of this atmosphere and this opportunity.

We hope, God willing, that the Almighty God assists you. Know that every step you take, every bit of work you do, every act of compassion you show, every effort you make is preserved before the Almighty God; now whether I personally or we collectively know this or not, whether I thank you or not. What you do with good intention and good will is preserved before the Lord of the Universe. The Quran says: "Indeed, God is Grateful and Knowing"; (1) the Almighty God is both grateful and aware. Now, it may be that individuals like me do not know how much you have spent extra time beyond your work duties, sitting in the office or at the work center, spending time, putting in effort; naturally, when we do not know, we do not thank you; but every moment is not hidden from the view of the honorable recorders and documenters of events - that "Indeed, we were recording"; (2) the Almighty God records all our actions, that is, each and every one of them is documented - it will not be hidden.

May the Almighty God reward you. God willing, go and pursue your work with seriousness. The ninth and tenth governments are known for their hard work, perseverance, and not getting tired; strive to maintain this good reputation until the last moments; God will, God willing, assist you.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.