TEHRAN - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that peace and stability in Tajikistan is “important” and “strategic” for Iran and “reassuring” for the whole neighboring countries.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Tajik Foreign Minister Aslov Sirodjidin Muhridinovich on the sidelines of the SCO foreign ministerial meeting in Moscow on Thursday.“Related bodies of the Islamic Republic of Iran are fully ready to have bilateral and multilateral cooperation (with Tajikistan) in countering against common security threats, extremism and terrorism,” he stated.He added that Iran supports unity and national integrity in Tajikistan.The Iranian foreign minister pointed to historical affinities between the two countries and highlighted the importance of expanding ties in various areas, specifically in economic area.Elsewhere in his remarks, Zarif stated that efforts by ISIL to expand its presence in various regions of Western and Central Asia are cause of “common concern”.He also highlighted the importance of more cooperation among the neighboring countries to boost security in the Mideast region.NA/PA