Tehran, Aug 3, IRNA � Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the nuclear deal between Tehran and the 5+1 could in fact serve as a point of departure for the whole region.

In an article issued simultaneously in four regional newspapers, namely ashorooq of Egypt, assafir of Lebanon, alrai of Kuwait and al-sharq of Qatar, he also said that Iran�s top priority was to conduct friendly relations with neighboring countries.

He said one could never claim of fighting violent and extremist groups in Iraq and then supporting them in Yemen and Syria.

Referring to the wise and much-adhered religious recommendation in Islam on need of respecting neighbors, he said especially in today world the significance of the saying is even more urgently felt.

He noted that the Islamic Republic from the very beginning has sought good and solid ties with its neighbors.

He said his recent tour of the three countries of Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq served to enhance relations with the neighboring nations.

Stressing that the region is currently suffering from insecurity with many dangers seriously threatening the very foundations of the regional societies, the foreign minister noted that Iran, though itself in full security and prosperity due to its resistant nation, could never remain indifferent to the deep destruction underway all around the country.

He went on to express that the Vienna deal between Iran and six world powers was indeed a new and urgent beginning for the whole region which has something to the benefit of each of them.

It put an end to an unnecessary 12-year-old dispute thus paving the way of concentration on more important issues which would lead to removal of distrust and tension in the Middle East, the foreign minister added.

He urged all regional countries to realize the point that sustainable peace could not be attained through devices which would cause insecurity for others.

He further highlighted the need for cooperation among all regional countries and referred to collaboration in such areas as peaceful nuclear technology.

Zarif also stressed precise measures to enhancing collective understanding of such issues as terrorism and extremism to stop spread of tribal and sectarian clashes in Islamic countries via enhancing scientific and industrial cooperation.

By IRNA