Minister Condemns Acts Of Radical, Extremist Groups In Syria, Iraq

Tehran, Sept 16, IRNA – Minister of Information and Communication Technology Mahmoud Vaezi condemned acts of radical and extremist groups in Syria and Iraq. He made the remark here on Tuesday in a meeting with Azeri Minister of Economic Development Shahin Mustafayev Abdulla oglu. He said both Iran and Azerbaijan share identical views regarding radical groups in the region. Given the present situation in the region, Vaezi added, Iran and Azerbaijan should not let animosity on the part of certain countries affect mutual cooperation. Noting that the present volume of trade exchanges between the two countries stand at dlrs 500 million, the minister believed the figure could be multiplied by promoting mutual cooperation. The Azeri minister, for his part, pointed to the vast areas of cooperation which could lead to a bigger trade volume and said he will discuss the issue with the Iranian officials. He added that he will also focus on establishing a joint chamber of commerce. As for regional threats, he said settlement of a two-decade old dispute between Azerbaijan and Karabakh could help restore peace and tranquility to the region. The Azeri minister further stressed that certain international developments such as the European Union sanctions against Russia have paved the way for both Tehran and Baku to play a more active role in regional markets. The three-day visit of Azeri minister is taking place at the invitation of Vazei who is the co-chairman of the joint commission. The visit is aimed at pursuing the implementation of the agreements reached during the 9th Iran-Azerbaijan Joint Economic Cooperation Commission in Baku last month. Mustafayev is also expected to meet with several Iranian ministers and other high-ranking officials. He is also to make the necessary preparations for the upcoming visit of the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Baku which is to take place upon the official invitation of his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev./end