TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Thursday that extremism is “the common pain of the Islamic world”.

During a meeting with Mali’s Prime Minister Modibo Keita, Zarif also said that Iran is ready to cooperate with Mali in fighting terrorism and extremism.

“Mali has been cradle of moderate Islam but we are upset about presence of extremist groups in Mali,” he said.

Zarif also said that Iran has “very good relations” with Mali.

He added that the two countries can expand cooperation in areas of culture and economy.

Iran can provide Mali with its experiences in countering drug trafficking, he also said.

Keita said that Iran proved that all problems can be resolved through “courage” and “effort”.

“Iran can be a role model for all developing countries,” he said, calling for expansion of relations.

“We have many common views. The government of Mali supports expansion of relations with Iran especially in sphere of economy,” the prime minister noted.

Zarif started a tour of West Africa on July 24. He was accompanied by representatives of 35 companies from private sector. He visited Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, and Mali.

He arrived in Tehran on Friday morning.

NA/PA