Global unity key to combating terrorism: Iran official

Iranian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Morteza Sarmadi has warned against spread of terrorism and extremism in the region and across the world, urging international unity for firm combat against the ominous phenomena.

The international community’s status quo necessitates that all countries close ranks to seriously counter terrorism, Sarmadi told reporters at the end of the 5th foreign ministerial meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Beijing, China, on Friday.

“The world today requires an effective and firm contribution of international bodies for a more serious fight against terrorism and the establishment of peace in the countries grappling with it (terrorism),” he said.

He added that terrorism, sectarianism and Takfiri groups’ activities have given rise to difficult conditions for many countries, particularly in the Middle East.

The Iranian official said terrorist groups have spread insecurity in Iraq and Syria, calling on CICA members to adopt realistic approaches for fighting terrorism.

Sarmadi noted that Takfiri and terrorist groups also pose threat to security of Asian countries. He called on Asian states to strengthen cooperation in a bid to establish peace and security and tackle the existing challenges.

Asian countries should pursue diplomacy and political approaches in order to bring more welfare and security to regional nations, he said.

Sarmadi also reiterated Iran’s commitment to the enhancement of cooperation and interaction with CICA members

CICA is a multi-national forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia. It is a forum based on the recognition that there is close link between peace, security and stability in Asia and in the rest of the world.

The body has 26 full-fledged members while eight states and four international organizations including the United Nations and the Arab League have observer status.

The 5th foreign ministerial meeting of the CICA opened in Beijing on Thursday with the opening speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping.