Dushanbe, July 23, IRNA - Secretary General of World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought (WFPIST) Ayatollah Mohsen Araki said on Thursday that world Muslims through unity can prevent growth of extremism and terrorism worldwide.

Ayatollah Araki made the remarks in an exclusive interview with IRNA in Dushanbe on Thursday.

Division and fragmentation prepare the grounds for growth of extremism and terrorism, he said adding that promotion of unity leads to more solidarity in the world of Islam.

Growth of extremism and terrorism have roots in the weakness of Muslims worldwide, he said.

A powerful Islamic world can prevent growth of extremism and terrorism, he saod, adding that strength the Islamic society is of prime importance in fight on terrorism and extremism, he said.

Unity among world Muslims, cooperation among Islamic states, and religious, cultural and scientific institutions will uproot terrorism, he said and underlined that without such cooperation among cultural, political and religious institutions it will not be possible to defeat terrorism and extremism.

Current cooperation between Iran and Tajikistan is good but not enough, he said adding 'We believe that if the two sides broaden their cultural, political, security and religious cooperation, they can create a very good power in the fight against extremism and terrorism.'

Tajikistan hosts a two day international conference on 'Islam against religious extremism and terrorism' in which representatives from 15 countries have attended.

By IRNA