Iran FM urges full-fledged fight against terrorism

Iran has urged a full and broadbased fight against terrorist groups, particularly the ISIL Takfiris, saying the militants have expanded their acts of terror not only in the Middle East, but in certain African and European states.

“Iran’s plans to settle regional conflicts are based on negotiations and peaceful approaches without any foreign interference,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a meeting with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto in Tehran on Monday.

Iran believes that other approaches will escalate terrorism, extremism and violence, he added.

Zarif further pointed to historical ties between Tehran and Budapest, saying the two sides should utilize their potential to further strengthen relations.

The Hungarian minister, for his part, said European countries are either directly or indirectly affected by the ongoing events in the Middle East.

He added that Europeans are determined to reinforce the campaign against terrorism, extremism and violence.

Szijjarto said European countries have decided to hold negotiations with Iran given its leading role in the Middle East and to prepare the ground for practical cooperation based on mutual interests and respect.

He emphasized that improving stability and security in the Middle East would bring favorable results for Europe.

During the meeting, the two men also discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in technical, agricultural, scientific, cultural and academic fields as well as infrastructure and exchange of technical and engineering services plus nuclear energy.

The Hungarian minister is in Tehran at the head of a high-ranking politico-economic delegation. Earlier on Monday, he held talks with Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani and attended a joint press conference with Zarif.