New Qatari emir, Iranian president-elect hold talks on phone

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in a telephone conversation congratulated Iran's President-elect Hassan Rouhani on the advent of the holy fasting month of Ramadan as well as his victory in Iran's presidential election. During the phone conversation on Wednesday, Rouhani wished success for the nation and government of Qatar, and also felicitated the Emir on the fasting month of Ramadan. He appreciated Sheikh Tamim for his call, and said that Ramadan is the month of blessing and friendship. He expressed the hope that the Almighty God would help to the establishment of peace and tranquility among Muslims of the region. The two sides also underlined strengthening and development of relations between the two countries. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi visited Doha late June to felicitate Qatar's new Emir on his ascending to power and discuss bilateral ties and regional developments with the Qatari officials. The 33-year-old Sheikh Tamim assumed power in Qatar after his father Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani stepped down in favor of his son.