Extremists seek to tarnish image of Islam: Iran FM
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, in a meeting with his Nigerian counterpart, warns of dangers posed by terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, Daesh and al-Shabab, saying extremist moves are aimed at tarnishing the image of Islam.
“Ever-growing threats of extremism in the world are rooted in false beliefs of Takfiri groups and lack of genuine attention to financial and ideological sources nurturing these groups,” Zarif told Geoffrey Onyeama in Tehran on Monday.
He added that extremism has nothing to do with Shia and Sunni teachings, stressing that Takfiri groups such as Daesh and Boko Haram are pursuing extremist approaches in Syria, Iraq, Mali and Nigeria to mar the true image of Muslims.
Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is forbidden,” has claimed responsibility for a number of deadly shootings and bombings in Nigeria since the beginning of their militancy in 2009, which has so far claimed the lives of at least 17,000 people and made more than 1.5 million displaced.
The terrorists have recently pledged allegiance to the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, which is primarily operating inside Syria and Iraq.
The Iranian foreign minister called on Muslim and African countries to reinforce their solidarity and cooperation to battle extremist and terrorist groups.
Zarif further said Iran and Nigeria will have a positive prospect for the expansion of trade and banking cooperation following the lifting of sanctions against Tehran over its nuclear program, noting that Nigeria can turn into the center of cooperation in Africa.
Onyeama, who is in Tehran to attend the third summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), called for the expansion of cooperation with Iran in all areas.
Nigeria is determined to enhance economic and cultural cooperation with Iran, he said and added that Tehran and Abuja should remove obstacles in the way of strengthening relations.
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