Official: Iran-Turkey terrorism campaign necessary

“The two countries have the capacity and capability to fight terrorism and extremism on regional and global levels,” said Mohsen Rouhisefat in an address to the 3rd Iran-Turkey Forum in Van on Tuseday.

Terming terrorism and extremism as 'major threats' to the region and the world, the official said single long-term and multi-dimensional solutions are the only ways to confront the illicit phenomena.

“Regionally, the numerous capacities of the two countries can be used to solve the Middle East problems,” he said.

The Iranian official urged avoiding monopolistic approaches towards regional issues.

He said rich historical background of Iran and Turkey make it imperative for the two neighbors to use all their capacities available to promote ties and cooperation in various sectors in the future.

Rouhisefat also affirmed that the public diplomacy, due to the proximity of Iran and Turkey cultures, can provide the two nations with numerous grounds for expanding ties between the people and governments of the two countries.

The two-day meeting is being held jointly by Anadolu Development Agency, Turkish Asian Center for Strategic Studies (TASAM) and Political and International Studies of the Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended by businessmen and CEOs from East and West Azerbaijan and Ardabil Provinces from Iran, and Van Province in Turkey.

9156**1420