Iran, Turkmenistan Resolved to Sign 20-Year Cooperation Deal: Raisi

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Turkmen counterpart, held in Tehran on Wednesday, Raisi said, "The relations between the two countries are brotherly, civilizational, cultural and, in a word, very close. These deep relations between the two nations and the two countries can pave the way for many collaborations."

Describing the new Turkmen president’s visit to Iran as a turning point in the relations between the two countries, Raisi said, "In the fields of economy, trade, water, electricity and gas, there are good capacities and areas in the two countries to expand cooperation beyond the current level. The agreements and memoranda of understanding signed today between the two countries can enhance bilateral cooperation to a higher level.

"In the negotiations, it became clear that the two countries have a serious will to develop relations and implement the agreements reached. More importantly, the two sides are determined to sign a strategic document of 20 years of cooperation," the Iranian president added, his official website reported.

He further described cooperation with the Caspian Sea littoral countries as one of the foreign policy priorities of Iran, adding, "Cooperation between the two countries will surely lead to regional and international cooperation."

Raisi also noted that Iran and Turkmenistan have very close opinions about Afghanistan, noting, "We believe that a comprehensive government should be formed in Afghanistan that represents all political and ethnic groups, and this can create security for Afghanistan.

"The two countries share the view that the problems and issues of the region should be resolved by the countries of the region and any foreign presence in the region can be problematic. Our common belief is that the presence of outsiders is not a security-building factor but creates problems," he stated.

For his part, Berdimuhamedow said the talks between the delegations of Turkmenistan and Iran were successful. "The talks were held in an atmosphere of transparency, trust and mutual respect between the two countries, which painted a picture of fraternal relations between the two countries.

"The energy and transportation sectors are amongst the important and strategic sectors of relations between Tehran and Ashgabat, and we will focus our efforts to effectively use these potentials to expand interactions between the two countries," the visiting president added.

"The two countries are also determined to develop cultural and humanitarian relations as one of the important sectors to strengthen the bond between the two nations and the two countries," Berdimuhamedow stated.

"During today's talks and meeting, Afghanistan issues were also considered by both sides. Tehran and Ashgabat want Afghanistan to become a prosperous state that participates in important international and regional projects," he emphasized.

Referring to the signing of several cooperation documents between the two countries, the Turkmen leader noted, "These documents will further develop and strengthen relations between the two countries."