Iran, Germany call for expansion of ties

Berlin, July 17, IRNA - Iran and Germany on Wednesday called for broadening mutual cooperation on anti-narcotic and anti-terrorism campaign.

In a meeting held between Iran's Deputy Interior Minister for Security
Affairs Abbas Mohtaj and German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble,
the two sides called for setting an effective mechanism to help
implement agreements inked by Tehran and Berlin.

The Iranian official briefed Schaeuble on Tehran's measures taken so
far against drug-trafficking, saying the move has resulted in heavy
loss of life and damage to property in Iran's eastern borders.

Referring to sharp increase in drug production in Afghanistan, Mohtaj
reiterated that settlement of the crisis is in need of global
determination.

Referring to critical situation in Afghanistan and numerous problems
facing the Afghan nation including poverty and
unemployment, Mohtaj called on all countries, particularly Germany, to
help settle the existing crisis, adding military solution is not an
appropriate solution to the problem.

As to Iran's efforts to help establish stability and security in the
region, he stressed that Tehran is determined to combat against
regional terrorism.

Stressing the importance of Tehran-Berlin cooperation, the German
interior minister, for his part, appreciated the Islamic Republic of
Iran's efforts to combat against smuggle of narcotic drugs.

Schaeuble hoped that he would pay a visit to Iran in the near future.

End