Tasnim � Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri congratulated his Christian counterparts on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year.

In separate messages to his Christian counterparts on Tuesday, Major General Baqeri congratulated them on the birthday anniversary of Jesus Christ, �the messenger of peace and friendship�, and on the beginning of the new year in the Gregorian calendar.

�Undoubtedly, the return of humanity to the blessed teachings of the great prophets of God and strengthening of the spirit of friendship, empathy, and interaction among nations would bring about the establishment of global peace and stability and humanity�s inclination to truth and justice,� the message read.

The top commander further wished his counterparts health and success and the people and armed forces of their countries prosperity.

Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated generally on December 25 as a religious and cultural holiday by millions of people around the world.