Terrorism, extremism major global threats: Deputy FM

TEHRAN, Apr. 21 (MNA) – Iranian deputy FM described terrorism and extremism as major threats to the establishment of peace and security in the world, especially in Asia and Africa. Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia-Pacific Affairs Ebrahim Rahimpour attended the plenary session of the Asian African Conference ministerial meeting in Jakarta which was held yesterday, April 20, 2015. Rahimpour, while hailing the role of Indonesia in taking the initiative, pointed to the challenges facing the Asian and African countries, including poverty and injustice, the negative effects of the global economic crisis and disregard toward the will and requests of developing countries in making decisions affecting the world. He described terrorism and extremism as the major threats towards establishing peace and security in the world, especially in Asia and Africa, adding that they seek to distort the name and the true nature of Islam. Iranian diplomat also stressed the need for further expansion of cooperation among countries in order to promote the spirit of tolerance, pluralism, patience and respect for diverse opinions and perspectives. The Asia-Africa Conference (AAC) ministerial level meetings kicked off yesterday in Jakarta with the attendance of Iran’s deputy FM and ministers of 10 Asian and African leaders and member countries to mark 60 years since a landmark conference that helped forge a common identity among emerging states. The upcoming commemorative event is expected to yield three documents, including one dedicated to reiterate support for Palestine’s independence. The two other documents will be a Bandung Message and one on the strengthening of NAASP.