Iran Sets €30 Billion Target in Annual Trade with Turkey: FM
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian highlighted plans to broaden political and economic relations with Turkey, saying the two neighbors have set a target for €30 billion in annual trade exchanges.
Speaking at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, held in Tehran on Sunday, Amirabdollahian said they have held extensive and fruitful negotiations and weighed plans to carry out the agreements reached in the most recent meeting between the presidents of the two nations.
“We have discussed the implementation of the comprehensive plan of cooperation between Tehran and Ankara that was concluded during (Turkish President) Mr. Erdogan’s visit to Tehran. The agreements between the two presidents are on the right track,” he said.
Amirabdollahian also pointed to plans to increase the annual trade exchanges to €30 billion, noting that good arrangements have been made to achieve that target.
“We share views about updating the preferential trade document. The transit routes in the region are complementary between Iran and Turkey. They are not a factor of competition, but an element that strengthens relations between Iran and Turkey,” the Iranian minister stated.
Turning to the regional developments, Amirabdollahian said they have talked about the situation in Syria and Turkey’s concerns.
“Emphasizing the sovereignty of states, we believe that the concerns of Turkey and Syria about the issues relating to terrorism must result in cooperation between the two countries through diplomacy,” he added.
For his part, the Turkish foreign minister lauded the historical bonds between Turkey and Iran.
Fidan noted that his country will be hosting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in the coming days for the 8th meeting of the supreme council of Turkey and Iran.
The top Turkish diplomat said negotiations have been held in Tehran about the efforts to ensure security along the common border, fight against terrorism, facilitate transportation, and raise the value of trade exchanges.
Fidan also stated that Turkey has transparent expectations regarding Syria, stressing that Syrian citizens residing in Turkey need to return home in full security.
Turkey wants to cooperate with Syria closely in the fight against terrorism, he added.
Fidan also expressed delight at the reconciliation between Tehran and Riyadh, saying Turkey, Iran and Saudi Arabia are responsible countries in the region.
