Iranian FM Stresses Collective Efforts to Counter Terrorism
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said terrorism and extremism pose a serious threat to the entire regional states, saying increased efforts by the whole governments are necessary to deal with the major challenge.
“We seriously believe that terrorism, extremism and sectarianism are challenges for the whole governments in the region,” Zarif said in joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Adnan Mansour in Beirut on Monday.
The Iranian minister further urged all regional countries to join hands to stop the spread of the terrorism and extremism, saying the initiative needs collective cooperation, particularly among neighboring countries.
Pointing to the important role that Saudi Arabia can take in the fight against extremism, Zarif said Riyadh is of great significance in that sphere, and added, “Iran is ready to cooperate with Saudi Arabia to boost calm and stability in the region.”
The top Iranian diplomat arrived in Beirut on Sunday at the head of a political and parliamentary delegation, as part of his tour of the Middle East countries.
Earlier on Monday, the Iranian foreign minister also held meetings with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.