IRNA � Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani congratulated the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan to his counterparts in Muslim countries and described it as an opportunity for strengthening sympathy and unity among Muslims.

In the message, Larijani expressed congratulations on Ramadan as 'the month of blessing, Quran's revelation, and praying to God'.

It is also an opportunity for making efforts in unison to solve problems from which the Muslims are suffering, he said.

The speaker also emphasized that Iran's parliament welcomes any step toward boosting relations and constructive consultations with parliaments and assemblies of Muslim countries.

Larijani expressed hope that the holy month will open a new chapter for the brotherly relations among Muslim countries.

Throughout the month, Muslims across the world fast from sunrise to sunset as a religious obligation.

Tuesday was announced as the beginning of Ramadan in Iran, but the holy month has begun since Monday in a number of other Muslim countries.