Iran, Azerbaijan stress fighting terrorism

Both the Islamic Republic of Iran and Azerbaijan consider terrorism, which has its roots in Wahhabi and Salafi ideologies, as the biggest regional threats, President Rouhani said on Sunday in a joint press conference with his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev who is in Tehran on an official visit.

Both countries believe that terrorism and its ideologies should be uprooted in the region, Rouhani said.

The Iranian President also said that Yerevan and Tehran remain to have similar stances on the issue of Iraq and Syria.

“Iran believes that territorial integrity of the countries should be respected and regional political issues should be settled through dialogue,” he said.

Referring to the dispute over Karabakh region, Rouhani said that the Islamic Republic thinks the issue of Karabakh should be settled through negotiations.

President Rouhani also said that there are good grounds for Iran and Azerbaijan to enhance their economic cooperation.

There is high potential for the two countries to boost their energy ties as well as making joint investments in auto-making and pharmaceutical industries, Rouhani said.

2044**2050