Islamic Republic of Iran urges joint security efforts in ME

Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says all Middle Eastern countries are responsible for enhancing security and fighting terrorism in the region.

“We need collective security in the region. Iran and Turkey should not be the only countries responsible for security in the region; all the countries in the region should become active in this regard and cooperate with each other,” Salehi said at a Friday meeting with Turkish President in Turkey’s capital city, Ankara.

Salehi also offered Iran’s condolences to Turkey over the recent terrorist attacks in the southeastern Turkish province of Hakkari, IRNA reported.

On Wednesday, 26 Turkish soldiers were killed and 22 others were injured after members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terrorist group launched simultaneous attacks on police and military installations in Hakkari.

“If we know what and who are the major sources and sponsors of the terrorists [and] from where they obtain money, equipment, information and arms, we can confront them more easily,” the Iranian top diplomat pointed out.

Referring to Iran’s efforts to expand ties with Turkey, Salehi expressed hope that the two neighboring countries enjoy stronger economic ties once the existing obstacles are removed.