New Chapter Has Opened in Iran-Turkey Relations, Spokesman Says
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi hailed a recent visit to Turkey by the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces as “unprecedented” and said the trip signified a new chapter in the history of the ties between the two neighbors.
Speaking to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) on Sunday night, Qassemi underlined that Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri’s visit to Ankara was “unprecedented or rare” since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
“The visit demonstrates that the relations between the two countries have entered a new phase,” the spokesman noted.
“Major General Bagheri’s visit showed that Iran-Turkey ties have undergone its development in other areas, and now the two countries can have this level of interaction and reciprocal visits,” he added.
Qassemi also said during his trip, Major General Bagheri held “very good talks” with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on bilateral relations.
He went on to say that President Erdogan plans to pay an official visit to Tehran, expressing the hope that the trip will be made as soon as possible.
Heading a military delegation, Major General Baqeri recently visited Turkey and held meetings with top Turkish officials, including President Erdogan and Chief of the General Staff of Turkey Hulusi Akar.
His talks with Turkish officials revolved around Tehran-Ankara defense ties, regional developments, cooperation on border affairs, and the fight against terrorism.