Ahmadinejad: Extremism, militarism, foreign presence are major regional problems

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said here Sunday that extremism, militarism and presence of foreign forces in the region are the most important problems now.

Speaking at a tripartite summit with his Pakistani and Afghan counterparts here on Saturday, Ahmadinejad said presence and interference foreign forces unfamiliar with culture of the region are among major problems of the region.

He said, “We welcome the initiative to hold this trilateral summit and are confident that cooperation will guarantee security and expansion of cooperation in the region.”

He then noted that nations of the three countries (Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan) share common culture, history and language. “Our region is the hub of civilization and culture and people o the region have for long years had constructive and friendly ties with one another.”

He said Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan should join hands to solve the economic and development problems in the region.

He said campaign against drug smuggling and organized crimes is the most important duty of regional governments. “This menace has affected the region and we are all duty-bound to fight it with full strength.”

He said restoration of security and durable peace is the prime need for development and progress of the region, urging regional heads of state to have more cooperation in that respect.

After the president's remarks, Pakistani President Asef Ali Zardari proposed holding the next such a meeting in Islamabad which was welcomed by his counterparts.

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