Statements at the Gathering of Elites and Officials of North Khorasan Province

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

Thanks be to God, the Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet and the beloved of our hearts, Abu al-Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad, and upon his pure and chosen progeny.

We express our gratitude to the Almighty God for granting us the opportunity to have sincere and affectionate meetings with various segments of the dear people of this blessed province over the past few days. Today's session consists of a group of servants of the people in this dear province, as well as representatives from various active sectors. Therefore, this gathering is very valuable.

The points that friends have raised here were interesting and noteworthy from different perspectives. What we wish to convey consists of two or three impactful points; if we all pay attention to these points, it may, God willing, be beneficial for the future of the province.

The first point is that the very act of serving the people is a divine blessing; it is a gift. Whether this service is in official capacities—like the responsibilities that friends, brothers, and managers have in the province—or in unofficial forms, such as serving the people's faith, culture, scientific advancement, or ensuring the proper distribution of resources among the people, fulfilling various needs in any form, the essence of the opportunity to serve is a blessing; this blessing must be appreciated.

I sincerely express from the bottom of my heart that truly being a servant of the people is an honor; not merely as a slogan. Our great scholars always advised their students and disciples to serve the people alongside remembrance, worship, humility, supplication, and reflection; sometimes they preferred this over individual worship; this brings one closer to God. A good deed done for the benefit of one person is a virtue; it brings you closer to God; it has divine and eternal rewards; let alone if this service benefits multiple groups of people, for the people of a province, a city, or a district. Therefore, the main issue is that if we have the opportunity to serve, we should be grateful; we should thank the Almighty God; we should consider it a divine blessing.

The result of recognizing this blessing is that we should not impose any obligation on anyone for this service; this is the first degree. The Almighty God has granted us this opportunity; this opportunity is a divine grace; it requires gratitude. Thus, if we are able to serve, it must be without obligation. This is one point.

Another point is that in serving, no distinctions should be made. Responsibility in any sector is about serving all people. This person is our friend, this one is a stranger, this one is our enemy, this one has this political inclination, this one has that religious inclination; these have no effect. Service must be general, for everyone; then it will have an impact on those who are engaged in large-scale service, like a province or a county. Different sectors of counties accommodate diverse individuals; hence, the perspective towards all must be the same. Service belongs to everyone; it is the responsibility of all; we must be custodians; what we have must be made available to all.

Another point is the importance of high ambition in service delivery. This province, as friends have mentioned—I have also found this in reports—is among the lower-ranked provinces in terms of material progress. This is partly because the province is newly established; perhaps there are other factors as well. The officials of this province must dedicate their ambition to elevate the province's rank in terms of progress and achieving important vital indicators within a specified period; for example, to reach the top ten provinces in the country. When our ambition is such—this is a multiplied ambition—naturally, it requires multiplied efforts. Multiplied efforts do not only mean the volume of work; rather, it means the quality of work, more than what pertains to quantity and volume; that is, precise work, expert work, work accompanied by consultation, continuous and persistent work, well-structured and planned work; so that if officials change, the work does not stop. It was good news that they said we have drafted the province's development document; this is very good. Once the document is drafted, the changes in officials and managers will not have a significant impact; the work will continue. What is important is that the roadmap is clear.

Now, when we say this province should reach the level of the top ten provinces in the country, is this feasible? Based on the capacities of this province, yes, it is entirely feasible. There are very good capacities in this province; one of the important capacities is the human resource capacity; which I have perceived both in meetings with youth, academics, students, teachers, and professors—in various meetings—and in the overall reports we received. Thank God, there is a capable human resource in this province; this is the main capacity; in addition to natural capacities and issues related to land, climate, geographical location, and other matters that affect the province's progress. Therefore, the capacity exists; this province can truly be advanced, uplifted, and the lives of the people can be improved.

These people are truly deserving of service; with this faith, this honesty, this prominent presence in various arenas, and with their presence in the border region, a sensitive geographical area. It is truly deserving that distinguished services be provided to the dear people of this region and that the province progresses.

The friends who spoke here emphasized two or three points; I also had these in mind and noted them, which I will now emphasize. The explanation provided by the esteemed governor was a complete account; a comprehensive summary of activities. If, in a specific and determined time frame, this immense volume of work is realized, the face of the province and its depth will truly change—there is no doubt about that—what is important is that it is followed up to achieve it.

Another important point is that these activities should be prioritized. We should consider the country's capacities, financial and budgetary resources, and the capabilities that the government can provide to various sectors. We should also consider the quick-return nature of various projects. Some projects are useful and necessary, but they are not accessible; some are accessible and close. All of these determine the priorities.

We should adhere to the priorities, and work should proceed based on them. In my opinion, one of the priorities is agriculture, which was repeatedly emphasized in the statements of friends. Here, there is both agricultural potential and suitable minds for advancing agriculture—reference was made to agricultural research; in another session, there were discussions about a new movement regarding irrigation that is beneficial for agriculture—so there are abundant preparations; there is land, there is water, there are human resources, there is suitable climate; and the main income of these people throughout the year has been from agriculture and animal husbandry.

Of course, the successive and continuous droughts have inflicted damage; there is no doubt about that. As some have reported to me, one of the things that has harmed agriculture in the province and created problems is the fragmentation of land income sources; that is, the lands have been divided; the lands have become smaller and smaller. One of the important projects that was considered by previous governments and I emphasized was to unify these agricultural land resources, so that it helps make agriculture industrial; modern agriculture, agriculture with advanced machinery; this is one of the important things. These blows have been inflicted on agriculture. There have been various other factors as well.

Agriculture must be placed at the top of the importance list; not in the sense that we forget about the industry of the province; no, the province also has industries that, with attention and care, can create employment and generate significant profits for the province; however, in the first instance, the issue of agriculture is paramount; if we can revive agriculture under its current conditions, both the issue of employment will be resolved, and various consequences of unemployment—such as marginalization, addiction, and the like—will be eliminated or their roots will be weakened.

For the economy, there are three main axes: one is industrializing agriculture; we should make agriculture and horticulture industrial and modern. Another is the issue of processing and complementary industries, cold storage, and such things. If the farmer here has accessible processing industries at hand, his situation will completely change; there should be cold storage, and so on.

Of course, God willing, tomorrow the government officials will have a meeting with us; they will certainly be aware of these matters as well—generally, in these meetings, we see proposals and opinions from government officials—God willing, we will emphasize these issues; these matters should be raised there. I say this to clarify that the horizon of the province's progress is a bright one. So one of these issues is processing industries, and another is structuring for distribution and commerce—which was also mentioned in one of the gentlemen's statements—the quality of trading products and transactions, their domestic trade, and then their export and foreign trade should find a wise and prudent order; this will help the province's progress. Therefore, one of the priorities of the province is the issue of agriculture, with all its dimensions and ramifications.

Another issue that was highlighted in the reports I received before the trip and which I studied carefully and caught my attention, and I also saw it repeated in the statements of officials, friends, and elites of the province, is the issue of tourism in this province. There are many tourist attractions in this province; both natural attractions and historical attractions; both the beautiful region and the beautiful nature here, and the historical sites that exist. As I have been informed—though I usually do not have the opportunity to see these things—the castle near Esfarayen is similar to the famous Bam Citadel, which people used to come from abroad to visit. Why does no one come here? Why has it not been introduced? Why is it not recognized? While it is more accessible. Here, you have millions of passersby every year—now the statistics vary; some say twenty million, some say fifteen million—who are pilgrims passing through to Mashhad. Well, if arrangements are made so that not all of them, but some of them, stay for a day in this province, see what a tremendous impact it will have on the province's situation. It is not the case that you want to attract tourists from the city center or from the corners of the country to a distant point. This is not far; this is on the route of pilgrimage caravans; people are coming and going. If some of these travelers stay for a day, one night, in this city and visit the natural sites here, the historical sites here, you will see what transformation will occur in business and life here. Therefore, this is also a priority.

The issue of research that was mentioned here is indeed a priority; truly, the yield of research work may not be immediately visible, but its yield is indeed like what is referred to in the Holy Quran: "It produces seven ears; in every ear, there are a hundred grains"; it is a single seed that, when you plant it, will return to you seven hundredfold. Research work is like this. When you investigate healthy seeds, or good agricultural methods, or a material effective in industry, agriculture, or services, it leads to a sudden large and collective benefit for the country after a period of patience and endurance. This is certainly among the priorities. Therefore, there is much work to be done, and there are ample opportunities; these people are also good.

Today, the country needs work and effort; my dear ones! Officials of various sectors! Chosen representatives of the classes! This must be conveyed to the multitude of people who listen to you or work under your management, both in words and actions: the country needs work. We must work; we must work hard; work that is planned, organized, and good.

Whenever we feel weak, our sworn enemies gain morale; just as whenever we observe an effective movement at the national level to mobilize the people and encourage them and enhance their awareness, we immediately see an effort from the enemy to neutralize this. Those who monitor international issues, political matters, news issues, and various international confrontations understand this well. Whenever an important task is accomplished in the country—such as a large rally, a significant election, a major scientific and industrial success, or an important and effective action by the government—they immediately try to overshadow this work; they create some sort of issue. Also, if at any time we express weakness, we express fatigue, you will notice that the immediate reaction in the world is: the opponents of the Islamic system and the opponents of Islam gain morale, feel joy; as if they are eager to attack again. We must pay attention to this. This teaches us that, firstly, we should never lose our work and effort; secondly, we should strive to strengthen the spirit of work, the spirit of effort, the spirit of hope in all those who hear from us, in our work domain; this is a duty. Any speech that indicates despair, fatigue, depression, and conflict will undoubtedly be detrimental to the country's interests, to the country's progress, and to national dignity.

In confronting the enemies, our hands are full. Our capabilities are high; not as a claim—we do not want to boast—but these are realities. The most important evidence of this reality is that for thirty-three years, they have been constantly trying to undermine, strike, and harm us; if we were weak, this tree should have dried up by now, it should have fallen by now; why has it grown tenfold? Why has it become "It brings forth its fruit at all times by permission of its Lord"?

Today, compared to ten years ago, twenty years ago, the country is much more advanced in terms of scientific standing, industrial standing, social standing, and the spirit of the people; the strength of the system is much greater. Well, what is the reason for this? This is the reason that there is a true constructive inner force in this country that overcomes all the tricks, plots, and obstacles of the enemy; this is evident. So our hands are full, and we have capabilities. We can, by our own hands, destroy this capability. If we weaken spirits, if we diminish hopes, if we waste opportunities, if we present a dark and bleak horizon to our youth—who are our hopes—we have weakened ourselves by our own hands. We must not do this; this is in our hands. Everyone is responsible; however, managers and officials of various government sectors have greater responsibility.

Fortunately, the country has also made good progress in its literature of dealing with the arrogant and oppressive world of the West. Today, our country's officials, when they speak at various negotiation tables and platforms, deliver mature, comprehensive, interesting, and correct statements. One of the arenas of conflict and fields of struggle is the arena of international discourse. Most European media outlets are Zionist media; you may know this. Most of the media we hear about in the world have been taken over by Zionist capitalists for years; they create news, they shape narratives. These same media outlets also suggest to politicians what to say. This is an important issue. Now, Western politicians, with all their malice and wickedness, are one thing; these news-making activities are also suggested to them. One of the common phrases is: we are applying pressure on Iran to return to the negotiating table. Which negotiating table? When has Iran ever left negotiations on various global issues, including the nuclear issue, that it should now return?! This is a deception and a propaganda trick. We are trying to get Iran back to the negotiating table! This is a deceptive and misleading propaganda. They keep repeating this in the world, they keep saying it, they keep saying it. These expressions are repeated so much that I think even Western politicians come to believe that this is the reality; while the one who invents this phrase, this wording, this formula has a different intention. He does not want Iran to return to the negotiating table; he wants Iran to submit to the Western bullies during negotiations. Well, the response from Iran is: no, you are too small to bring a revolutionary, fighting, insightful, and aware nation to its knees in front of your demands and interests. The problem of the political bullies of the West is not that Iran does not negotiate on the nuclear issue or other issues; no, their problem is that Iran does not yield to their demands. And of course, this problem will remain; it is evident.

Interestingly, the Europeans today speak in the tone of the nineteenth century! In the days when British ships came to the Persian Gulf, the British commander would send messages to the sheikhs of the Persian Gulf from aboard the ship, telling them to do this or that; they would bow like servants and say, "Yes!" The Europeans think it is still the nineteenth century today. The governments that were in power in our country were not capable and dignified enough to reflect the identity and authenticity of the Iranian nation in their dealings; they were influenced, they were worn down. They could influence their policies, their culture; they could internally defeat them. You see, a personality, a single human being, and a nation—there is no difference—when they are externally defeated, it is because they have been internally defeated. They were invaders, and on this side, there was a materialist, worldly perspective, seeking their own kingship, their own presidency, their own wealth, their own property and trade—seeking no lofty ideals; pursuing only these petty human desires—hence, they would dominate. Today, they think it is still like that.

Today, the issue is the new discourse that the Islamic Republic has introduced to the world, which has flustered the arrogant powers. Today, the arrogant powers are not in a position to speak to the Islamic Revolution with the language of aggression. Today, the Islamic Revolution has been able to spread its thoughts in the world. Despite all the censorship they have imposed, despite all the pressures they have exerted, today this thought has become prevalent. The idea of religious democracy, the idea of the sovereignty of spirituality and religion, the idea of people's presence in arenas, the idea of resistance against the bullying of global powers and powerful blocs; these ideas have become prevalent today. You see that these ideas have become prevalent in the world; now, it may not be in the name of Iran, and we do not insist that it must be in the name of Iran; however, no one in the world can deny the impact of the Islamic Revolution and the steadfastness of the Iranian nation in these events. Today, this is the issue.

Therefore, work is on the right path. We need to strive, to be active, to think correctly, to act correctly, to be united, to create an atmosphere of effort, work, sincerity, spirituality, and distance from pretense; today is such a field. You dear ones who have responsibilities in various sectors—from the highest levels of the province to the middle levels and various levels—each of you can play a role. We have stated; whether the responsibilities are official and determined by law, or social responsibilities; like those of clergy, intellectuals, professors, scientists, and various social activists; these are influential, these have responsibilities; even if their responsibilities do not have a governmental title. We are all responsible. We hope that the Almighty God helps us to fulfill our duties, God willing.

I entrust all of you, dear brothers and sisters, to God. God willing, may divine successes be bestowed upon all of you.

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