Iran’s new president told Archbishop Leo Boccardi, the newly appointed apostolic nuncio to Iran, that Iran opposes terrorism and extremism, according to a report by Press TV, a division of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.

Archbishop Boccardi previous served as apostolic nuncio to Sudan and Eritrea.

“Today we have common objectives and enemies,” said President Hassan Rouhani, who assumed office in August. “Extremism and terrorism are our common enemies and, based on the divine teachings, human interactions and cooperation for the elimination of poverty and injustice are common objectives.”

“Some countries in our region are now plagued with security problems and cινιℓ ωαrs, as a result of which both Muslims and Christians are suffering,” he added.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s minister of foreign affairs since August, told Archbishop Boccardi that “with regard to the ongoing extremism in Syria, the condition of people and religious minorities, including the Christians in this country, is a cause of concern for us,” according to the Islamic Revolution Docuмent Center.

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Mostafa Bordbar, a Muslim convert to Christianity who was sentenced to ten years in prison in July, has been released, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a British organization that monitors the persecution of Christians.

Bordbar was arrested in 2012 as he gathered with other Christians to celebrate Christmas. An appeals court has overturned his conviction on charges of membership in an “anti-security organization” and “gathering with intent to commit crimes against Iranian national security.”

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