Terrorism is not a regional concern any longer as its scope has broadened internationally which explains why the global community ought to be much more serious about the campaign against the menace, a senior lawmaker says.
Chairman of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi made the remark in a meeting with Director of Russian Institute for Strategic Studies Leonid Reshetnikov in Tehran on Tuesday, IRNA reported.
According to Boroujerdi, strong and direct interaction between Iranian and Russian research centers can play a major role in boosting collaboration between the two states in other areas.
Describing the recent developments in Tehran-Moscow relations in political, economic, defense and international spheres as positive, Boroujerdi said, “The Russian initiative to urge regional states to form an anti-terror coalition will definitely help restore peace and stability to the war-ravaged Middle East, especially Syria.”
Criticizing the US and its western and regional allies for not taking practical measures to put an end to extremism, he noted, “Such countries use terrorism as a tool to accomplish their illegitimate objectives.”
The legislator believes that categorizing terrorism as “good and bad” is a strategic mistake, the result of which is the price the US and other western countries have to pay for backing some militant groups operating in the region.
Boroujerdi expressed hope that in the post-sanctions era Tehran and Moscow could strengthen bilateral ties with the help of research centers.
The July 14 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers will lift sanctions on Iran in exchange for time-bound limits on its nuclear program.
Expressing pleasure with his visit to Iran, Reshetnikov stated, “Close collaboration between the countries’ research centers can help pave the way for improving diplomatic ties.”
Stressing that Tehran and Moscow share views and positions on regional challenges, the Russian expert said the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen can only be defused through diplomacy.
Referring to President Hassan Rouhani’s meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday, Reshetnikov expressed optimism on the prospect of greater cooperation between the two countries.
