Fighting extremism essential for regional stability

Iran’s first vice president made the remark in the 16th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Prime Ministers’ meeting held in Sochi, Russia, adding that sustainable development is the best way to fight terrorism and extremism in the region.

Es’hagh Jahangiri said that "achieving sustainable development is one of the main pillars of the fight against terrorism and extremism,” stating that "countering extremist thoughts is essential for strengthening stability and security in the region and the world.”

The first vice president touched upon Iran’s cooperation with the SCO stating "we will have a friendly relationship with all the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and we think increasing institutional cooperation at the regional and global levels will benefit all of us."

Later in his speech, Jahanigiri referred to the special geopolitical position and the vast natural and human resources of Iran, which inherits a significant part of global and Islamic civilization adding "Iran today defends territorial integrity peace, stability, development, interaction and dialogue between cultures and nations.”

He concluded that "the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to bolster the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the face of threats and challenges in an effort to create a world free of violence and extremism.”