TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Speaker of Iran�s Parliament Ali Larijani on Thursday felicitated his counterparts from Christian countries on the advent of the New Year, and called for enhanced parliamentary cooperation in the world on issues like the fight against terror.

In a message, Larijani congratulated the parliament speakers of Christian states on the birthday anniversary of Jesus Christ (PBUH) and the beginning of the new Christian year of 2016.

In today�s world, returning to the teachings of great divine prophets is most necessary for achieving justice, peace, and progress, and reducing economic, political, and social inequalities, Larijani said.

He also stressed that the prospect of global developments in the new year is under threat by the great risk posed by the expansion of terrorism.

Larijani further referred to the recent terrorist attacks in Western Asia, Europe, and Africa as clearly indicating that the danger of the inauspicious and inhumane phenomenon threatens all countries and nations.

�Countering extremist and terrorist groups has necessitated regular and continued consultations and cooperation among countries at different levels, including among parliaments,� he added.

The Iranian speaker went on to say that inter-parliamentary collaboration on the fight against terrorism and the roots of expansion of extremist ideologies must be an integral part of a global strategy to fight the inauspicious phenomenon.

He also reiterated that Islam is the religion of brotherhood, kindness, and benevolence to humans, and that the crimes committed by Takfiri terrorist groups have nothing to do with the divine religion.

By Tasnim News Agency