Turkey Says Ties with Iran Vital for Regional Security

“To create peace and prosperity as well as lasting security in the region, it is essential that the two major building blocks of a large civilization – Iran and Turkey – come together, especially in security matters,” Soylu said on Sunday after a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli in Tehran.

The two officials discussed issues such as terrorism, immigration, border issues, drugs trafficking and organized crime, according to Soylu.

The Iranian interior minister said Iran and Turkey share common concerns.

With cooperation between Iran, Turkey and other regional states, we will end new tensions, Rahmani Fazli said, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

An advanced relationship in trade, politics, economy, and security between the two countries could set an example for the entire region and create infrastructure for regional peace, he added.

Soylu arrived in Tehran on Saturday for talks with Iranian officials on bilateral and regional issues.

In early October, Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan paid an official visit to Iran with a high-ranking delegation to attend the fourth round of strategic meetings between Iran and Turkey and to discuss the latest regional developments and the status of bilateral ties with Iranian officials.

Iran and Turkey signed a number of cooperation agreements during the presidential visit.