TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has called the terrorist group of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant a “serious” threat to the countries in the Middle East region.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Turkmenistan Foreign Minister Rasit Meredow in Tehran on Sunday.
Zarif also called for more cooperation between the regional countries to fight against terrorism and extremism.

ISIL terrorists have been wreaking havoc in crisis-stricken Middle Eastern countries of Iraq and Syria since June 2014. They have been carrying out horrific acts of violence, including public decapitations, against all Iraqi and Syrian communities such as Shias, Sunnis, Kurds and Christians.

Zarif also highlighted the importance of expansion of ties between Tehran and Ashgabat.

For his part, Meredow said that Iran and Turkmenistan are two “friendly countries,” expressing hope that the bilateral relations will be strengthened after the removal of anti-Iran sanctions in the coming months.

He also described the nuclear agreement between Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) as a “great victory” for Iran.

Pointing to water deficiency in Iran and Turkmenistan, Meredow highlighted the importance of developing strategies to overcome the issue.

Iran and the 5+1 group reached a nuclear deal in the Austrian capital of Vienna on July 14.

On July 20, the UN Security Council turned the Vienna accord into international law by endorsing a resolution, setting the stage for the lifting of the Security Council sanctions against Iran.

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