Sr. Diplomat Outlines Iranˈs Regional Red Lines

Tehran, Sept 1, IRNA – Extremism and terrorism are Iranˈs red lines in the region, Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab-African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Monday. ˈTehran considers security of every regional states, Egypt in particular, as its own security,ˈ Amir-Abdollahian said in a meeting here with a visiting media delegation from Egypt. Praising present peaceful political process in Egypt which would lead to development of security and stability in that country, the diplomat said Iran encourages cooperation among all Egyptian political groups. Iran is willing to witness a stable, united and developed Egypt which plays a significant role both in the region and in the Islamic world based on its true and historical status, Amir-Abdollahian added. He said Egypt enjoys a regional position which cannot be replaced by any other country. Referring to his visit to Egypt in June to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Egyptian President-elect Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, the Iranian diplomat said Tehran prefers to see Cairo playing its proper role in resolving regional and international problems. He also criticized certain countriesˈ double standards in dealing with issues such as democracy and terrorism. Amir-Abdollahian added Tehran seeks to ˈunfold plots made by the common enemies of the Islamic world, especially the Zionist regimeˈ. The official welcomed Cairoˈs stand on the fight against terrorism and extremism in Syria and Iraq stressing the need for further cooperation between influential regional states, including Iran and Egypt, to form a collective convergence against interference of foreign powers. ˈIran welcomes any initiative to boost bilateral, regional and international cooperation with Egypt,ˈ Amir-Abdollahian said./end