Zarif: Iran, commonwealth countries can establish world energy capital

Zarif made the remarks in a meeting with ambassadors of the commonwealth countries.

Congratulating the 25th independent anniversary of these countries, he said formation of new countries should be regarded as one of the significant developments of the 20th century.

'Expansion of cooperation among countries in the region in energy, transportation, economy, commercial and security in the past 25 years will be to the benefit of regional countries,' Zarif said.

Expansion of cooperation among regional countries in the energy sector can turn Asia into the capital of the world energy, he said.

Expressing concern on danger of extremism and terrorism in the region, he said extremism and terrorism are borderless.

The Islamic Republic of Iran from early days of its independence put all its facilities at the disposal of its neighbors and friends to help their stability, development and security, he said.

Iran regards the stability and security of the independent commonwealth countries as its own, he said, adding that the country attaches importance to these countries and their strategic status.

In the meeting, Turkmen ambassador, for his part, congratulated the 25th anniversary establishment of the commonwealth countries and described it as a new phase to broaden relations and cooperation leading to creation of ample of opportunities.

Ambassadors of the commonwealth countries appreciated the Iranian foreign ministry for holding the ceremony and welcomed expansion of all-out cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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