Foreigners' presence, against regional security: Iran

Tehran, Dec 12, IRNA – Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said that the presence of foreign powers in the region is “against regional security.”

Talking to IRNA, he reiterated that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to foster security cooperation with the Persian Gulf littoral states.

Mottaki is currently in Bahrain to attend the Manama security conference.

He stressed that the Manama conference would pave the way for resumption of security to the region.

Underlining the need for convergence among regional states, Mottaki said presence of foreign forces in the Persian Gulf region would bring about insecurity to the entire region.

The Persian Gulf security should be provided by the regional countries including Iran, Iraq and the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council, the FM said.

Tehran is ready to strengthen regional cooperation, particualrly in the area of security, with all its Persian Gulf neighbors, he noted.

While in Manama, Mottaki met with his Bahraini counterpart Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa./end