Tasnim � Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif described joint efforts by Iran, Russia and Turkey for peace in Syria as a useful experience, hoping that it would lead to neighboring countries� realization of the benefits of interaction.

�We have had an effectual experience (of cooperation) with Russia and Turkey for creating and maintaining peace in Syria,� Zarif said on the sidelines of a gathering in Tehran on Saturday.

�We hope that our neighbors will recognize the benefits of interaction more (than before), remember the realities and know that Iran has good intentions for the region,� he added.

Zarif made the remarks when asked about recent anti-Iran comments by some Turkish officials.

The Iranian top diplomat further reiterated the need for collaborations among all regional countries for countering terrorism and extremism and said fanning �sectarian views� is in no one�s interest.

In a speech at the 53rd Munich Security Conference in Germany on February 19, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu criticized what he called an Iranian �sectarian policy� in the region. Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had accused Iran of promoting �Persian nationalism.�

On Friday, Zarif said that Turkish officials had been entangled in the consequences of their �past mistakes� and were now attempting to play a blame game by making accusations against Iran.