Envoy: Turkey to Proceed with Syria Military Operation
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Turkey’s ambassador to Iran said his country will continue with a limited and temporary military operation in northern Syria until its objectives are achieved.
Addressing a ceremony at Turkey’s Embassy in Tehran, held on Wednesday to mark the 96th anniversary of Turkey’s Republic Day, Derya Ors said the “Operation Peace Spring that has been launched against terrorism in northern Syria” will continue in a limited and temporary manner until the mission is accomplished.
“The purpose of the operation is (establishing) peace and stability in the region and preventing disintegration of Syria,” the envoy added.
He also highlighted the significance that Turkey attaches to the relations with Iran, saying Ankara has always maintained close relations with the neighbors.
The ceremony was also attended by a number of Iranian officials.
In a speech to the gathering, Iranian President's Chief of Staff Mahmoud Vaezi hailed the peaceful co-existence between Iran and Turkey during the past 400 years, saying the two neighbors have many historic and cultural commonalities.
“The Islamic Republic’s policy is close and profound cooperation with all neighbors. Among the neighbors, the relations with Turkey are special and strategic. The relations between the two presidents are close and brotherly as they have met 12 times over the past six years,” Vaezi noted.
Highlighting the common views of Iran and Turkey on the major international issues, the president's chief of staff said Iran, Turkey and Russia have managed to handle the Syria crisis within the successful framework of the Astana Process.
Iran, Russia and Turkey are guarantor countries that brokered a ceasefire in Syria in December 2016, leading to the Astana talks, which are running parallel to the Geneva peace talks.
