Iranian, Turkish Presidents Call for Enhanced Regional Cooperation

In his Thursday phone conversation with Erdogan, President Rouhani stressed that his administration is determined to expand the Islamic Republic’s close and friendly ties with Turkey.

The Iranian president welcomed the growing interactions between Tehran and Ankara in recent months, saying the two neighbours can witness major developments in their bilateral ties by virtue of the formation of High Council of Iran-Turkey Cooperation.

He further underlined the necessity of reinforcing mutual cooperation and consultations to resolve regional problems, adding, “The currently sensitive situation in the Middle East requires that both countries work together more than ever to establish stability and security in the region.”

Rouhani referred to certain separatist tendencies in the Middle East and problems created in the Persian Gulf region, and stressed that such issues are detrimental to regional peace and stability.

Full security has not been established in Iraq and Syria yet, the Iranian president noted, adding that Tehran and Ankara, as two regional superpowers, should contribute to regional peace and stability more than ever.

He further congratulated the Turkish nation and government on Eid Al-Adha, and expressed regret that not all nations in the region can benefit from the blessings of the Muslim Sacrifice Feast due to the ongoing instability and conflict in certain regional states.

Rouhani also referred to the recent developments in Myanmar and the suffering of Rohingya Muslims there, saying, “The Islamic Republic of Iran rejects and strongly condemns oppression against Muslims anywhere in the world.”

The Turkish president, for his part, offered his congratulations to Rouhani on Eid Al-Adha and the beginning of his second term in office.

“I’m confident that mutual cooperation between Iran and Turkey will continue better than ever during President Rouhani’s second term,” he noted.

He further hailed as positive the formation of the High Council of Iran-Turkey Cooperation as well as the reciprocal meetings between the two countries’ officials, and said, “Turkey is resolved to develop its political and economic relations with Iran.”

He also expressed regret over the oppression against Muslim people in Myanmar, and highlighted the need for Tehran-Ankara solidarity in resolving regional issues.

“Strengthening and cementing Iran-Turkey cooperation and solidarity is very crucial and valuable to the resolution of regional problems,” he added.

The Turkish president is going to pay an official visit to Tehran in the near future.