Regional Cooperation Key to Promoting Security, Sovereignty

Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said the collapse of the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group is a great achievement for Iran, Turkey and Russia, urging more cooperation to counter moves against regional security.

"The reality is that cooperation among Iran, Turkey and Russia was positive," Larijani said in a meeting with Speaker of Turkey's Grand National Assembly Ismail Kahraman in Istanbul on Tuesday, Press TV reported.

"However, terrorism has not ended in the region yet and some anti-security measures are being conducted. So, Iran and Turkey should continue their cooperation."

Larijani said some extra-regional countries played a clear role in creating the IS while certain regional states also made mistakes "but Iran and Turkey recognized their responsibilities in this regard."

Backed by popular groups and Iranian military advisors, armed forces in Iraq and Syria have managed to flush IS militants out of their last strongholds in both countries, declaring full victory over the notorious and brutal terrorist group.

The recent recapture of the two cities of Abu Kamal in Syria and Rawa in Iraq marked an end of the IS reign of terror, which started in 2014 with the group making vast territorial gains in a lightning offensive and establishing its self-proclaimed "caliphate" in the Iraqi city of Mosul and the Syrian city of Raqqah.

The top Iranian parliamentarian also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between Iran and Turkey to maintain Iraq's territorial integrity.

Heading a parliamentary delegation, Larijani arrived in Istanbul on Tuesday. During his three-day stay, he is scheduled to deliver a speech at the 10th plenary session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly and hold talks with his counterparts attending the event.

The Turkish Parliament speaker said Iran and Turkey are facing common threats, stressing that dialogue can play a leading role in adopting a policy aimed at preserving the territorial integrity and independence of regional countries.

Kahraman added that Tehran and Ankara should reach consensus on ways of countering foreign powers that prevent close bilateral cooperation.