Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani says the country will use whatever is in its power to establish peace and stability in the Middle East, urging collective cooperation to uproot terrorism.

“The issue of terrorism and insecurity is a contagious disease that is not specific to a given region,” Rouhani said in a meeting with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Paolo Gentiloni and Economic Development Minister Frederica Guidi in Tehran on Wednesday.

The president added that efforts should be made to fight extremism and violence, saying that terrorist groups should not be allowed to victimize innocent people regardless of the latter’s nationality and religion.

Rouhani further pointed to the great potential of European Union (EU) member states, particularly Italy, for cooperation with Iran and said, “The transfer of capital and technology to Iran and then joint export to regional markets are Iran’s priorities for the expansion of economic relations with European countries.”

The Iranian president has previously said that the country does not welcome an influx of foreign goods into the Iranian market as a result of the removal of sanctions against Iran following an agreement with the P5+1. Instead, he has clarified, Iran expects foreign investment and technology.

In his Wednesday meeting, President Rouhani emphasized that no obstacle can hinder the promotion of Tehran-Rome ties, saying the two sides can open a new chapter in their relations in the political, economic, cultural, scientific and tourism fields.

He said Iran currently has great potential to attract foreign investment in many sectors, including those of energy, banking, insurance, industry, transportation and health.

Invitation for Rouhani

Gentiloni submitted Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s official invitation for President Rouhani for a visit to Rome and expressed hope the visit would take place in the near future.

In addition to enhanced political ties, the Italian foreign minister said, Tehran and Rome can also strengthen cooperation in trade, commerce and economic sectors given the international community’s need for Iran’s role in regional stability and peace.

By Press TV