President Rouhani Highlights Iran, Turkey’s Common Objectives


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a meeting with the visiting Turkish Prime Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, in Tehran on Saturday underlined the two neighboring countries’ common objectives, and asked for closer cooperation against terrorism.

“Iran and Turkey have common objectives and interests and should strengthen the foundations for regional peace and stability through mutual cooperation and their focus on the fight against terrorism as a common enemy,” Rouhani underlined.

Describing terrorism as a threat to all nations, President Rouhani said foreign countries have never sought to resolve regional problems since they are trying to fulfill their own interests.

He further noted that Iran believes that regional problems “should be settled by regional countries and nations”.

Iran-Turkey cooperation will undoubtedly play a constructive role in establishing sustainable peace in the region.

As regards bilateral ties, the Iranian president stated that “regional problems have failed to affect Tehran-Ankara relations”, adding that no obstacle can hinder the expansion of mutual ties in line with common interests.

Also at the meeting, the Turkish Prime Minister said “Ankara is determined to open a new chapter in relations with Tehran in different areas.”

Iran and Turkey enjoy great capacities for increasing their level of cooperation, Davutoglu said, and stated that Ankara is prepared to cooperate with the Islamic Republic in the campaign against terrorism.