PHOTO: AFP
TEHRAN:
Iran and Turkey have urged the expansion of joint efforts aimed at fighting terrorism and extremism in the Middle East.
“The two sides agree on the view that instability, insecurity and war should stop in the entire region,” said Iranian President Hassan Rowhani at a joint press conference with his visiting Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday.
The Iranian president also stated that Tehran and Ankara should boost bilateral efforts to tackle terrorism in the region, adding, “Together, we should fight terrorism and extremism in order to achieve brotherhood between Muslims and people in the region.”
Heading a high-ranking delegation, Erdogan arrived in Tehran earlier on Tuesday on an official one-day visit to hold talks with senior statesmen of the Islamic Republic.
Rowhani said he and Erdogan have held “detailed discussions” on the ongoing conflict in Yemen, adding that the two sides emphasised the need for an immediate ceasefire in the Arab country, the Iranian president was cited by the state-run TV as saying that they also talked about Iraq, Syria and Palestine.
“We had a long discussion about Yemen. We both think war and bloodshed must stop in this area immediately and a complete ceasefire must be established and the strikes must stop in Yemen,” Rouhani said.
He further added that the establishment of such a ceasefire could pave the way for sending humanitarian aid to Yemen, adding that Iran and Turkey and other countries should help peace and stability be restored to the Arab country.
The president expressed hope that in Yemen “an inclusive government is established through dialogue.”
After the high-level meeting between Rouhani and Erdogan, the two presidents and their accompanying ministers attended the Iran-Turkey High Council of Economic Cooperation session, which saw major agreements finalised between the two sides, including agreements on the expansion of cooperation in energy, transportation and commerce sectors as well as the private sector investment.
The Iranian president said the two sides have also agreed to broaden their cultural and academic cooperation. Iran and Turkey will also work for tougher security along the border.
Erdogan pointed out that the balance of trade was unfavourable to Turkey, since “Iran exports $10 billion and imports only $4 billion in Turkish products.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 8th, 2015.
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