Iran envoy urges moderation in fight against extremists

Marzieh Afkham in an article published by two Malaysian newspapers on Saturday said that Iran and Malaysia by relying on their commonalities could promote moderation.

'Our two countries have common views on fighting extremism and promoting moderation,' she wrote in an piece published by the English daily New Straits Times and the Malay-language Berita Harian daily.

'In my opinion all Islamic sects, shiism or sunnism, are equal and brotherly.'

'Unfortunately what we witness nowadays in some part of the world is a school of thought authorizing itself to deprive others of the right of life.'

Referring to Daesh, the Iranian envoy described the terrorist group as 'the most sinister instance has taken its toll of both Sunnis and Shias.'

Afkham also urged countries to be united to fight off extremism.

'Avoiding separation and encouraging brotherhood are the best way to fight extremism,' she said.

She called on the Islamic Republic and Malaysia to seize the opportunity to reestablish their ties under the new circumstances provided by the implementation of the nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action.

'Today, under the new circumstances, Iran and Malaysia are trying to revive what already existed in the history of the two countries’ relationship,' she said.

After the nuclear agreement between Iran and the world powers, there are bright prospects for the country’s progress in all fields.'

'Iran enjoys a vast capacity for trade and can provide traders and economic activists with unique opportunities. Due to her outstanding geographical situation and enjoying enormous energy resources, Iran can be Malaysia’s regional center in the Middle East, Central Asia and Europe.'

Afkham also called Malaysia a country that can act as a bridge for Iran to access the Asia Pacific region.

'Malaysia due to her geographical situation as well as cultural and religious commonalities can be Iran’s regional center in ASEAN or Asia Pacific,' she said.
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