Only regional states can protect security of region: Rouhani
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has lambasted foreign interference in regional issues, reiterating that peace and security of the region must only be ensured by its nations.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that only regional countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan, must endeavor and cooperate to establish regional security, stability and peace,” Rouhani said in a meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif in Tehran on Monday.
He added that regional issues, including the crisis in Afghanistan, should be settled through regional approaches, emphasizing that they would never be solved by foreigners and extra-regional powers.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to cooperate with regional countries, including Pakistan, in the fight against terrorism and development of peace, stability and security in the region,” Rouhani pointed out.
The Iranian chief executive stressed the importance of cooperation of all countries in fighting terrorism and boosting security along common borders.
“Promoting security along the borders and turning them into economic and trade frontiers as well as establishing border markets in these areas will be beneficial to the two nations and be in line with stability and security of the region,” Rouhani said.
No military solution to regional problems: Asif
The Pakistani foreign minister, for his part, said regional problems had no military solution, adding that only countries in the region, particularly Iran, could solve these problems.
No move by extra-regional powers can be effective, the top Pakistani diplomat said, adding that his country believed in the battle against terrorism to restore peace, security and stability across the region.
He also called for joint efforts to boost security in border areas and expand all-out relations between the two countries.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on Sunday that Asif’s official visit to Tehran was aimed at holding talks with senior Iranian officials on leading mutual, regional and international developments.
Earlier in the day, Asif met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and is also expected to meet with the vice president for economic affairs, Mohammad Nahavandian.
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