Iranian Deputy FM Meets Fabius, Condemns Terrorist Attack in Paris

(FNA)- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian held a meeting with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius in Vienna, where he deplored the Friday night terrorist attack in Paris.

During the meeting on the sidelines of the Vienna II conference on Syria in which representatives of 18 countries, the EU and the UN are participating, Amir Abdollahian also extended his country's condolences to the French people and government over the death of their beloved ones in the terrorist attacks.

Also earlier today, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a message to his French counterpart François Hollande extended his condolences on the killing of over 150 people in a series of bombings and shootings in Paris, and reiterated the need for collective efforts to fight against terrorism.

"I, on behalf of the great Iranian nation, which itself has been one of the victims of the ominous phenomenon of terrorism, strongly condemn these anti-human crimes and extend my condolences to the bereaved nation and government of France," President Rouhani said in his message on Saturday morning.

He expressed deep regret over the killing and wounding of a large number of innocent people in Paris, and said, "Undoubtedly, the world's most important message in such events is more serious will and determination to launch overall fight against the terrorist groups."

President Rouhani also cancelled his official visit to France, due to take place next week, in the wake of the terrorist attacks, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif announced today.

Paris was rocked by a string of deadly attacks on Friday night, leaving at least 150 people dead in six locations around the city, in the deadliest violence to strike France since World War II.

President Hollande declared a state of emergency and ordered increased border checks.

The gunmen's motives were not immediately confirmed.