DUSHANBE, March 26, Asia-Plus – Iran''s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and his Afghan counterpart Rangin Dadfar Espanta along with Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Khan Zarifi took part in Navrouz (New Year) celebrations in the Hissor district in vicinity of Dushanbe on Tuesday.

Mottaki in a speech termed Navrouz as the key to solidarity and convergence of human beings based on friendship, peace and prosperity of mankind.  He said that by celebrating Navrouz, regional nations give the message to community of human beings that their Navrouz has roots in ages and that ancient regional nations have throughout history been advocates of peace and friendship.

The Iranian minister said this year''s Navrouz is adorned by birth anniversary of holy Prophet of Islam Muhammad (PBUH) and the Unity Week (March 20-25).  "Muslims should get further united against those being hostile to Islam. The message of we Muslims give to community of human beings is that there should be a demarcation between freedom of expression and insult to sanctities and religious beliefs," he added.

He also congratulated Tajiks on Navrouz.

Meanwhile, Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi voiced pleasure over His Iranian and Afghan counterparts’ presence in Tajiks'' Navrouz celebrations.

Zarifi said promotion of ties among the three Persian-speaking countries of Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, which share a common culture, religion and tradition, has been among age-old wishes of Tajik government and nation.

Afghan Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar Espanta too took the podium and said Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, which have had a grave contribution to the world''s culture and civilization, started Navrouz this year with unity and will benefit from their experience more in order for development of their lands.

An exhibition of traditional food, arts and handicrafts was also held on the sidelines of the Navrouz celebrations in the Hissor district on Tuesday.