IRNA – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday called for adopting cultural measures in the battle against terrorism.

'Cultural measures and introducing real Islam to the young generation is the main way of fighting terrorism,' he said in a meeting with a group of Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the 72nd UN General Assembly.

'Big powers want to manipulate al-Qaeda, Daesh (also known as ISIS), … which are exerting violence and extremism against people as a tool to curb (Islamic) countries and defame Islam and Muslims,' the President added.

Rouhani pointed to the recent Organization of Islamic Cooperation's First Science and Technology Summit in the Kazakhstan capital, Astana, and voiced hope that Muslims are enabled to become again a pioneer of science and technology in the world.

Rouhani arrived in New York's JFK Airport on Sunday, Sep 17, to attend and address the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly. He is expected to make a speech on Wednesday.