KABUL - Iran's interior minister has called for joint counternarcotics efforts with Afghanistan and Pakistan to rid the region of the menace.

Iran's interior Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli issued the call at a meeting with United Nations Development Program Administrator Helen Clark.

While stressing coordination between regional countries and the international community, he said Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan were planning joint operations against drug traffickers.

Iran was willing to help Afghanistan prevent poppy cultivation, he said, stressing international contribution and help from global organizations in this regard.

The UNDP official acknowledged Iran's efforts in the fight against drug trafficking as well as transit of narcotics to other countries. The world should be thankful to Iran for its role and sacrifices in the campaign against drug trafficking, Clark remarked. (Pajhwok)