Iranian FM calls for Muslims' unity to counter extremism

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has underlined the need for unity among Muslims to counter terrorism and extremism.

In a meeting with Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan on Wednesday, Zarif said challenges facing the Islamic world are the result of terrorism and extremism, urging Muslims to strengthen unity to counter the scourges.

The Iranian foreign minister further called for the expansion of cooperation between Tehran and Bandar Seri Begawan in various areas.

Bolkiah, for his part, stressed unity among Muslims in the face of existing challenges and welcomed promotion of bilateral ties with the Islamic Republic in different sectors, including petrochemical industry, science and technology.

Zarif also held a separate meeting with Brunei’s Crown Prince al-Muhtadee Billah on Wednesday, during which the two officials discussed ways to bolster bilateral cooperation.

Zarif also held talks with his Bruneian counterpart Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, who is also the country’s minister of energy and industry.

During the meeting, the Iranian foreign minister called for the enhancement of bilateral political and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Zarif further expressed the Islamic Republic’s readiness to exchange information with Brunei in the fields of science and technology.

The Iranian minister arrived in Brunei on Wednesday on the third leg of his visit to six Southeastern Asian and Pacific countries.

Zarif’s visit to Brunei comes after his Tuesday trip to Singapore where he held separate meetings with the country’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Parliament Speaker Halimah Yacob and Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Law K. Shanmugam.

The Iranian foreign minister on Monday wrapped up his trip to Indonesia as the first leg of his tour where he delivered a speech at an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and held talks with the country’s officials.

Zarif is also scheduled to visit Thailand, New Zealand and Australia.



/257